Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board is unable to make a decision on the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records, and requests for additional information and records are made.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for shortness of breath, OSA, and joint pain. The claims for these conditions are being remanded due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran's application for VA educational assistance under the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) was denied because it was not submitted on a proper form and did not meet the legal requirements set by law.

The Veteran's dental treatment for all teeth except 23, 24, 25, and 26 is denied as the evidence does not show a causal relationship between his service-connected fractured mandible and associated teeth trauma.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's knee disorders, including Osgood Schlatter disease, patellofemoral arthritis, and chondromalacia patella, may be related to service. However, further examination is needed to determine if these conditions were caused or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding the Veteran's Social Security Disability benefits and his income for years 2007 through 2013. The AOJ needs to determine if the Veteran received SSI or SSD benefits from SSA, which could affect his eligibility for non-service connected pension (NSP) benefits.

The Veteran's service connection claim for cardiomyopathy is granted as the evidence is at least in equipoise that his current condition may be related to a lightning strike during ACDUTRA service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left tibia and fibula fracture residuals warrant a 20 percent disability rating, but not higher. The decision is granted to this extent.

The Veteran's dental disability is not considered a disability for VA compensation purposes, and therefore service connection for the condition cannot be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral rotator cuff tendonitis, finding that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim. The Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition is now considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral eye condition and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and opinions to address in-service complaints of abdominal pain and neck pain, as well as whether current disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues related to TDIU, PTSD rating, SMC housebound, aid and attendance, and adaptive equipment was dismissed. The claim for service connection for esophageal cancer was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete documentation of informed consent for a 2014 surgery, specifically requesting that the complete informed consent document be obtained.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as a helpless child of his father due to his previous marriage, which occurred after November 1, 1990. The appellant was previously married and divorced in February 1993, and thus did not meet the eligibility criteria for VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right bundle branch block with a left anterior fascicular block, sinus bradycardia, and a heart murmur is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim. Entitlement to service connection for a sleep disorder is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 4, 2011 for the grant of a total disability rating based on unemployability (TDIU) is denied because there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities were the reason he could not perform his duties as a postal clerk prior to that date.

The Veteran's right index, long, and ring finger disabilities are being remanded for a new examination to assess their current severity.