Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing service treatment records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's cricopharyngeal muscle hypertrophy and stricture of the esophagus are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, and slow GI motility with moderate tertiary contractions.

The Veteran's cause of death is denied as there is no evidence linking his adenocarcinoma of the stomach to service, and exposure to mustard gas cannot be established.

The Veteran's SMC at the higher rate was denied as there was clear and unmistakable error in the May 2010 rating decision, which incorrectly granted SMC based on two service-connected conditions rated at 100 percent. The reduction to SMC at the standard rate was proper.

The claim for service connection for loss of teeth and dental condition due to medications used to treat epilepsy is granted, but the specific cause of the loss of teeth needs further clarification through a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent evaluation for pre-operative cataracts of the left eye is denied as there is no evidence that his entitlement to this rating arose prior to January 17, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory and sleep disorders are not related to his service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and therefore the appellant is denied burial benefits as there are no qualifying conditions for such benefits.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including psychosis and schizoaffective disorder, is granted as service connected due to a presumption of sound condition upon entry into service. Service connection for PTSD is denied but the Veteran is granted presumptive service connection for psychoses.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination for rating purposes and the need for further treatment records. The Veteran's right knee condition, specifically chondromalacia of the right patella, is being evaluated again.

The Veteran's service treatment records show he had varicose veins during his active duty. His condition was also diagnosed in the years following his military service, and the Board has determined that this condition is related to his time in service.

The Veteran's previously denied service connection claims for a respiratory disorder and cold injury residuals are reopened. The claims for coronary artery disease are also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of right thigh, ear condition, and breathing disorder due to asbestos exposure is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam contributed to his stroke and internal carotid artery occlusion.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for TDIU was dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's right femur impairment and right hip DJD were granted a 10% rating from January 8, 2010 to June 8, 2011. The Veteran’s right hip DJD was denied an increased rating since June 9, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastritis and bilateral restless leg syndrome was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or chronic condition related to his time in service.

The Veteran's treatment at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital was for a medical emergency related to his aortic aneurysm. The hospital was deemed necessary due to the risk of rupture and lack of feasible VA facilities nearby. Payment or reimbursement is granted for the entire cost from May 30, 2011, to June 5, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for vocal cord leukoplakia with residual hoarseness as due to exposure to herbicides, and for a rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities. The Veteran's lay contention is that his throat condition was caused by herbicide exposure during service. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if any residuals of vocal cord leukoplakia are related to active service, including conceded herbicide exposure in service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.