Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete evidence and the need for clarification on VA transfer policies. The VAMC must obtain missing documents, private hospital records, and ensure proper notification of the criteria for 'stabilization' and payment beyond that point.

The Board has granted service connection for Crohn's disease, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's condition had its onset during active service. Service connection was denied for high cholesterol due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical opinion regarding the Veteran's toenail disorder of the right foot small toe. The Veteran is asked to provide VA treatment records and undergo an examination for a determination on his claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to assess his dysthymic disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected epididymitis, finding that the disability is not productive of any functional impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of entitlement to TDIU due to the need for additional evidence and a SSOC. The appellant is asked to provide information or authorization to obtain any relevant medical records, including those from Dr. Wilson.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date prior to September 3, 1997 for the awards of TDIU and DEA benefits due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be referred back to the Director of Compensation Service for a determination on whether an extraschedular award based on TDIU is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right base of tongue and lymph node of neck, as these conditions are presumed due to herbicide agent exposure. The VA is instructed to obtain Social Security Administration records and provide a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cancer.

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

The Veteran's spouse was denied VA death pension benefits due to excessive income, as her annualized countable income exceeded the maximum allowable rate for a surviving spouse receiving aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues related to the creation of an overpayment and whether the Veteran is legally entitled to the benefits in question. The decision will be reconsidered after addressing these matters.

The Veteran's initial ratings for peripheral artery disease of the left and right lower extremities have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran was previously granted service connection for these conditions, but his combined rating has never met the threshold requirement for TDIU prior to January 12, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes aggravated his left eye disorder, and also because of a recent submission suggesting a relationship between the eye condition and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 30 percent evaluation for chronic clavus, callus, and corns was granted. The condition has been treated with systemic therapy (oral prescription medications and injections) for six weeks or more but not constantly over the appeal period.

The Veteran's daughter, the appellant, is granted accrued benefits for reimbursement of expenses related to her father's last sickness and burial. The total amount paid was $31,026.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right knee injury is reopened due to the submission of new lay and medical evidence. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's request for an extension of her Chapter 30 educational benefits was denied as she did not meet the eligibility criteria due to lack of physical or mental disability preventing her from initiating or completing a program.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral artery disease, which was previously denied in 2009 and reopened due to new evidence, is granted. However, the case is remanded as additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a current pulmonary disorder and its relationship to service. The Veteran's lay statements about asbestos exposure during service are considered, but an examination is needed to determine if he currently has a pulmonary disorder related to his military service.