Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for service-connected benign prostatic hypertrophy and dermatophytosis of the groin. The Veteran must file a substantive appeal within 60 days to preserve his right to appeal these issues.

The appeal was denied because the Veteran had third-party health care coverage through auto insurance. The claim is being remanded to reassess based on the revised regulation applicable since April 8, 2016.

The Board found that the appellant's income exceeded the applicable maximum annual pension rates, leading to the termination of VA death pension benefits and an overpayment in the amount of $7,472.00.

The Veteran's nasal disability is being remanded for further evaluation to determine the severity of his service-connected bilateral nasal valve collapse and whether it causes breathing problems while sleeping.

The Board is unable to make a decision on the earlier effective date for SMC due to lack of information about loss of use of lower extremities/bilateral feet prior to December 31, 2009. The AOJ must review VA medical records to determine if such loss was shown.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 1, 2015 for payment of compensation following the grant of service connection for multiple disabilities is denied as the law does not allow for payment before June 1, 2015.

The Board found that the Veteran's income exceeded both the National Means Test and Geographic Means Test for his area of residency, leading to a change in copayment status from exempt to means test. The appeal is denied as the preponderance of evidence supports this decision.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records. The case will be returned to the Board after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's FSH Muscular Dystrophy had its onset during his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected post phlebitic syndrome of the left lower extremity is being remanded for additional medical evaluation and records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for lupus, loss of left eye as secondary to lupus, and lung condition as secondary to lupus due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current lupus is related to service at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating for lipoma is denied because there was no increase in disability prior to March 14, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any current bilateral eye disorder. The issue of nonservice-connected pension benefits is also under consideration.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a heart disability due to herbicide exposure, as it is inextricably intertwined with the hypertension claim. The Veteran's heart disabilities need to be associated with the appeal stream related to the hypertension claim and an opinion on the heart disability claim needs to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pending claim of CUE in the January 19, 1971 rating decision regarding entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further verification of the Veteran's dates of service.

The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and lymph nodes, finding no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The preponderance of the evidence did not support a link between the condition and military service.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran was ordered to report for service on September 22, 2004 when he sustained a right foot injury. The VA will contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to obtain the Veteran's military pay records.

The Veteran's death was caused by service-connected conditions, and the claim for DIC is granted effective from the date of his death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema, DJD of the right hip, and osteoporosis due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims are being remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.,A new VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran’s bilateral DJD of the hips and osteoporosis are etiologically related to active service, specifically to his exposure to ionizing radiation.