Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left and right hip disabilities are granted as secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claim for transient ischemic attacks is denied due to lack of new material evidence.

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

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for polyneuritis is granted, effective May 29, 1972.

The Veteran's actinic keratosis is granted as service connected due to excessive sunlight exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses at The Villages Regional Hospital on April 7, 2014 is denied because prior authorization from VA was not granted and the services were not rendered in a medical emergency.

The Veteran's lipomas are currently service-connected, but the RO assigned a non-compensable evaluation. The Board has determined that the current rating decision is inadequate and requires further examination to determine the extent of his disability.

The Board has reduced the Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma rating from 100% to noncompensable effective September 1, 2014. The issue of what compensable rating is warranted for residuals of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma remains pending and requires additional development.

The Veteran's skin disability is related to sun exposure during his time in service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's heart disability, including sinus bradycardia and cardiac hypertrophy, is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a disease or injury during service. The Board also found that the acquired psychiatric disorder, sinus disability, and chronic fatigue syndrome are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for cerebrovascular disorder and organic brain disorder, as they are related to ionizing radiation exposure during service. The VA must obtain all available medical records from the Veteran's treatment providers and provide a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's character of discharge from service is a bar to eligibility for VA benefits, other than health care benefits under Chapter 17, U.S.C.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, characterized by hallux valgus, calcaneal spurs, and hammer toes, warrants a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5284 for foot injuries.

The Veteran's cause of death was pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and atypical chronic myelogenous leukemia. The VA examiner found that these conditions were not related to his military service.

The Board has vacated the November 17, 2017 decision dismissing service connection for a low back disorder due to an error. However, the claim of service connection for this condition is denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's daughter, who is seeking substitution as the claimant, has met the criteria for substitution in place of her deceased father. The appeal remains pending due to a lack of a statement of the case addressing the issue of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for a left foot disorder as the evidence did not show that it was permanently aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service dental trauma and its current impact on his teeth. The Veteran needs a medical examination to determine if he has any missing teeth or other dental disabilities that are related to service.

The Veteran died in March 2013 and was not receiving any VA compensation or pension benefits at the time of his death. His body was buried by the Appellant, who paid for the burial expenses. The claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits is denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria under the new regulations.

The Veteran's spouse, who had received an aid and attendance allowance based on unreimbursed medical expenses, passed away before she could submit a claim for the actual 2012 expenses. The Appellant, as the adult daughter of the Veteran and his deceased spouse, filed a claim for accrued benefits but was denied because there was no evidence in VA's possession at the time of her mother's death to support the claim.