Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran lacks the mental capacity to handle disbursement of VA funds due to his dementia and financial exploitation, as evidenced by medical records and statements from his representative.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral iritis, finding that new and material evidence was received since the July 2012 denial. The Board also found that the current disability is associated with the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's initial 20 percent rating for dry eye syndrome is granted, while the request for an increased rating for Bell's Palsy residuals is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee on an extraschedular basis has been remanded by the Board.

The Veteran died in October 2011 and the appellant filed for burial benefits. The claim is denied as there was no service-connected condition at the time of death, nor were any claims pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date prior to September 29, 2014 for the addition of B.W.M. and J.M.K.S as dependents due to overpayments from December 2010 divorce to September 28, 2014. The decision was based on the Veteran's failure to promptly inform VA of any changes in his dependents' status.

The Veteran's appeal is limited to her claim for an increase rating for her right shoulder disability. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the inadequacy of the most recent VA examination and the need for additional treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation for his dependent child, T.G., Jr. is denied because the child turned 18 in December 2012 and the award was made on January 1, 2013, when he started pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for a respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of March 5, 2012 for the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both feet is denied because there was no evidence of loss of use prior to March 2013.

The Veteran's eligibility for Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) education benefits is remanded due to the lack of a copy of his DD Form 214 and an unclear character of discharge.

The Veteran's high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) is not considered a disability for which VA compensation benefits can be awarded. Service connection cannot be granted for laboratory findings alone.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left eye disability, including a lack of definitive diagnosis and etiology. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records and arrange for an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's right leg meralgia paresthetica has not resulted in a disability comparable to severe or complete paralysis of the external cutaneous nerve of the right thigh, and thus does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to issues related to special monthly pension and nonservice-connected (NSC) pension, including a need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right arm neurological disorder and carpal tunnel syndrome are related to VA treatment, including carpel tunnel release surgery. The case will be returned for further examination.

The veteran died at his residence and did not meet the criteria for burial benefits as he was not receiving VA compensation or pension, nor had a pending claim. The death was not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and needs clarification on David Owens' role in inspections of the Veteran's home. The claim will be readjudicated after these steps are completed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for veteran status and compensation benefits because there was no evidence of active service during her National Guard membership. The Veteran did not have any periods of active service that would qualify as 'veteran' status.