Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injuries to his left foot, right foot, left hand, and right hand as there is no current disability found by VA examiners.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for neurological impairment of the right lower extremity, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to active duty service or any in-service exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and outstanding VA treatment records, which need to be obtained and reviewed before a final decision can be made on whether new evidence supports reopening the claim for residuals of a right acetabular fracture.

The Board previously remanded the case to obtain additional opinions regarding myeloid leukemia. The AOJ has not issued a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) as required, and there is conflicting information about whether an SSOC was issued. Another remand is needed for the AOJ to consider all evidence and issue a decision if necessary.

The Board denied the claim of entitlement to nonservice-connected burial benefits as not timely filed, but clarified that the appellant's claim was timely received. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for nonservice-connected burial benefits due to lack of receipt of VA compensation or pension at the time of his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye condition with permanently dilated pupil is not proximately due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA surgical treatment. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's smoking habits and their impact on his cancer diagnosis. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining a new or amended medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the case has been closed.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastasis due to colon cancer, which is not related to his service or exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hand arthritis as secondary to right-wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and remanded the issue of separate ratings for foot disorders.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses at Ocala Regional Medical Center from January 1, 2015 through January 4, 2015 are now covered by VA as he has partial third-party coverage.

The claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right leg shin splints and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected eye disorder results in blindness in the right eye, having only light perception. The issue of a rating in excess of 80 for a bilateral eye condition with visual field constriction is remanded.

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

The Board denied increased ratings for claw foot deformities of the left and right feet, finding that the severity did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5278.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic adjustment disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's daughter, A.S., is recognized as a helpless child due to her developmental disabilities and inability to care for herself prior to turning 18.

The appellant withdrew her appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of hysterectomy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and a compensable rating for vaginitis and cervicitis. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Board denied the Veteran's spouse recognition as his surviving spouse for VA death benefits, thus denying service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and nonservice-connected death pension.