Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board denied the claim as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the case, which had been previously denied in 1975.

The appellant's claim for a plot or interment allowance is denied as the Veteran was buried in a private facility and not a State veteran cemetery, which precludes the award of such an allowance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pituitary microadenoma with galactorrhea likely began during her military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for Crohn's disease and colon condition due to Agent Orange exposure as there is insufficient evidence to determine if these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service. The case will be sent back for further examination and opinion from a specialist physician.

The Veteran's daughter, the Appellant, seeks payment or reimbursement for non-VA medical care as a Camp Lejeune family member due to her father's service at Camp Lejeune. However, she does not meet the residency requirement and is therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right upper and lower extremity loss of muscle control, claimed as secondary to his service-connected residuals of encephalitis. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for esophageal cancer and liver cancer, finding an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding their relationship to the Veteran's active service. The appellant is now entitled to these benefits as a substituted claimant.

The Veteran's abscess was treated at a non-VA hospital due to the urgency of his condition and the unavailability of VA facilities within a reasonable time. The Board granted reimbursement for medical expenses incurred on June 26, 27, and 29, 2014.

The appellant's spouse had recognized guerrilla service but this does not qualify for VA nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to the nature of her husband's service.

The Veteran's spouse is seeking an extension of eligibility for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits beyond the established delimiting date. The Board finds that further development, specifically obtaining National Guard personnel records, is needed to determine if the appellant qualifies for a 20-year extension.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death, and no new evidence or claims are being considered.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at St. Joseph’s Hospital from July 28, 2012 to July 30, 2012 is being remanded due to the need for a complete rationale and review by the Chief Medical Officer.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the rating for interstitial and restrictive lung disease prior to July 5, 2017, and after that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an inguinal hernia on the right side, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's prostatitis was rated at 20 percent prior to January 1, 2013. Since then, the rating has been increased to 40 percent effective January 1, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because they passed away during the pendency of the appeal, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has remanded the issues of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for injury to the second and third fingers of the right hand, an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's skin disability was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it did not involve at least 5% of her entire body or exposed areas, and she did not require intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids.