Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his claimed conditions, specifically early syringomyelia and syrinx.

The Veteran's status bilateral inguinal hernia repair is granted with a rating of 10 percent, effective December 23, 2015. The Veteran's service-connected right great toe condition (status post removal of ingrown toenail) does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved claims involving exposure to herbicides, and the cause of death claim is linked to these issues. The Veteran's service connection claims have been terminated with his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's right neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of a September 2016 VA opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's causes of death and his weight gain during service. The examiner must provide an addendum opinion addressing this question, including Dr. T.K.G.'s November 2017 opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a right eye disability.

The Veteran's right lower extremity varicose veins were previously rated at 40 percent, effective June 1, 2014. The VA reduced the rating to 0 percent in March 2014 and then restored it back to 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA death pension benefits due to her net worth exceeding the required level, making it unreasonable for some part of her estate to be consumed for her maintenance.

The Board denied service connection for a sinus disability and denied entitlement to TDIU prior to February 1, 2011. The Veteran's pre-existing sinus condition was not aggravated by his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a VA examination and opinions to determine if there is a skin disorder of the bilateral ears, including fungus infection, that is secondary to service-connected fungus infection of the feet and groin. The Veteran's claim for increased rating for fungus infection of the feet and groin prior to January 30, 2013, remains pending.

The Veteran's death was not within 15 years of the end of his service, nor did he have a child born during or before marriage. The appellant and Veteran were married in Florida, but common law marriage is not recognized there. Therefore, the appellant cannot be considered the surviving spouse for DIC benefits.

The Veteran's epistaxis (nose bleeds) was present during service and has persisted since then. The Board found that the Veteran is competent to report his symptoms, and there is a current disability at the time of filing the claim.

The claimant is not eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation as the Veteran's child due to his previous marriage, which was not void or annulled.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA disability benefits because they determined that the appellant did not have qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, and therefore are not a 'veteran' for VA benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus and acquired pes cavus, as well as for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation is being remanded for a new VA examination and retrieval of outstanding medical treatment records.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a left hand and wrist disability, other than fifth (little) finger fracture and scar residuals due to potential aggravation by a service-connected condition.

The claim for service connection for the cause of death was reopened due to new and material evidence. However, it was denied as there is no evidence that the Veteran's atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was related to his military service.

The Veteran's skin condition, confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP), is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to her service in the Gulf War.