Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board found that L.J.M.'s discharge was dishonorable due to willful and persistent misconduct, which is a bar to VA death pension benefits.

The Board denied the claim as the decedent did not have qualifying Philippine service for VA benefits and therefore could not be considered a veteran.

The case is being remanded to clarify the extent of non-VA health coverage available to the Veteran at the time of medical care, and whether any such coverage reimbursed part or all of the expenses for the treatment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current left leg conditions are related to his military service or any periods of active duty training.

The Veteran's esophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett's esophagus were not shown to be related to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Board denied the claim as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disability and service.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection issues were decided.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals regarding service connection for paralysis with deep vascular thrombosis as secondary to traumatic organic brain syndrome, service connection for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), special monthly compensation based on loss of use, automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only, and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the effective date for a TDIU, so the case is dismissed.

The appeal to reopen a claim of residuals of a head injury is granted. Entitlement to a compensable rating for a left ring finger disability is denied. Service connection for residuals of a head injury is remanded.

The Veteran's application for post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits was denied because he had already received the maximum allowable number of months of assistance under Chapters 31 and 33, and no additional months were necessary to complete his rehabilitation.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for his right ring finger disability was denied as there is no specific impairment in earning capacity from this type of disability, and the maximum schedular rating allowable is zero percent.

The Veteran's fatal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was caused by in-service exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) from degreasers and solvents he used as an aircraft mechanic. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the apportionment of his VA disability compensation benefits on behalf of his ex-wife is denied as it does not meet the criteria for revocation or reduction.

The Board denied an extra-schedular evaluation for service-connected alopecia areata, finding that the evidence did not show exceptional or unusual disability picture with related factors such as marked interference with employment.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected alopecia areata prior to March 26, 2014 was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected alopecia areata.

The Board denied entitlement to an extraschedular rating for left leg varicose veins and denied entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability based on service-connected disabilities (TDIU). The Veteran's left leg varicose veins were rated at 20 percent, which is not considered exceptional under the schedular criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's ability to work prior to May 6, 2014. The VA examiner is required to provide a medical opinion on this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disability secondary to the appellant's left hip arthritis. Additionally, it has awarded a separate rating of 10 percent for limitation of adduction in the left thigh due to left hip arthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cancer of the caecum (abdominal wallet) and right ulnar neuritis, finding no new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acute promyelocytic leukemia is at least as likely as not related to his exposure to jet fuel and jet fuel fumes during service, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board determined that the Veteran's Notice of Disagreement (NOD) filed in March 2012 was untimely, and thus denied his claim for service connection.