Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional functional impairment assessments.

The Veteran's cause of death was adenocarcinoma of the prostate with metastases to the bones, which is presumed to be associated with herbicide exposure during his service at Udorn RTAFB in Thailand. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death based on this presumption.

The Veteran's TMJ condition has worsened since his last VA examination, and he is being asked to provide additional treatment records and undergo a new examination.

The Veteran's disability evaluation for left ulna nerve transposition was reduced from 40% to 10%, but the RO restored the original 40% rating effective April 1, 2014.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding her service-connected cramp fasciculation syndrome and TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions and missing service records. The Veteran's neck disorder is being reviewed again for possible service connection.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at Harrison Medical Center on June 29, 2014 is being remanded due to the invalidation of a regulation that previously barred his eligibility based on partial health insurance coverage. The AOJ must review the case and consider the application of Staab v. McDonald.

The Veteran's right testicular spermatocele is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current nature and severity of his condition, including its effect on voiding.

The Veteran's pension benefits were denied for the period from January 1, 2007 to February 1, 2009 and from January 1, 2010 to May 1, 2017 due to his income exceeding the applicable Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).,The Veteran's pension benefits were restored for the period from May 1, 2017. However, the claim is now remanded as there is uncertainty about when he stopped working and thus his income during that period.

The Board has granted accrued benefits in the amount of $16,781.88 to the appellant due to her expenses incurred for her father's last sickness and burial.

The Board denied payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at SERMC on August 20, 2014, as VA facilities were feasibly available to treat the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent from January 6, 2010 to September 30, 2013, for a bilateral foot disorder is remanded due to missing VA treatment records from March 2011 through October 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left suprascapular nerve palsy was granted with an effective date of August 14, 1992.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further efforts to verify the appellant's claimed active military service, as his records are fire-related and not fully verified.

The Veteran's left foot calcaneal spur was rated at 20 percent effective July 31, 2007.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected condition, and he did not receive any VA compensation or pension benefits at the time of his death. Therefore, burial benefits are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for polymyalgia rheumatica and idiopathic cardiomyopathy are remanded due to new evidence submitted after a previous denial. The RO is instructed to verify the timeframe of the Veteran's service at El Toro, request additional information regarding alleged contamination, and conduct further development related to herbicide exposure outside Vietnam.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's spine disabilities, including her cervical and lumbar spine issues. The VA needs to obtain additional medical records and conduct a new examination to determine if her current spinal conditions are related to her military service.