Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's surviving spouse is seeking death pension benefits. The claim was remanded due to conflicting income information provided by the appellant and a need for clarification regarding medical expenses.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to a fatal metastatic adenocarcinoma of the liver, finding that it was not related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis is related to his period of active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TMJ dislocation or disability is not a qualifying additional disability caused by VA dental treatment, and thus compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed heart disabilities, including as secondary to service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus. The examiner must address private treatment records and medical literature submitted by the Veteran and his treating physician.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of ambulance fees incurred on December 13, 2014 is being remanded due to the need for further development and adjudication.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and there is no positive association between his leukemia and herbicide exposure. The claim for cause of death due to herbicide exposure was denied.

The Veteran's request for a higher rating for right foot Morton's neuroma was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's claim for service connection of left hip bursitis needed further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a fractured fibula and for a compensable evaluation for right talus fracture residuals were denied. The Board found no current disability, as the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of a fibula fracture or residuals therefrom, nor any evidence of a current right talus fracture.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's service during the period from January 20, 2005 to November 23, 2005 was not considered qualifying active duty for purposes of establishing eligibility for Chapter 33 educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill due to his service being ordered under 10 U.S.C. § 12301(h), which does not qualify as active duty.

The Veteran's hammer toes and hallux rigidus of the bilateral feet are granted service connection as secondary to her service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The Veteran is also granted a 50 percent rating for her service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, effective prior to March 7, 2017.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes due to her divorce from the Veteran at the time of his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to chemicals on his ship, U.S.S. Caloosahatchee, which may have contributed to his cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the case.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Veteran died as a result of service-connected multiple myeloma, which was considered permanent and total. The surviving spouse is now eligible for CHAMPVA benefits.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, specifically his service-connected Achilles tendon rupture, requires a new VA examination to assess the current level of disability due to an inadequate previous examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for musculoskeletal residuals of snake bite, including muscle cramps with pain, joint pain, and fasciculations. The examiner must address whether these conditions are at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his in-service snake bite.