Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected painful bladder syndrome with chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis has been rated at the maximum schedular rating available for this condition since January 23, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining non-VA medical records and considering his claim based on in-service radiation exposure.

The Veteran's claim for VRAP benefits to attend training at the School of PE was denied because the school was not approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA) during the appeal period, and VA's authority to issue VRAP payments ended on March 31, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the nature and origin of the Veteran's spinal stenosis, as well as whether his transverse myelitis is secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected spinal stenosis.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for myeloproliferative disorder was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest due to cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, which the Board found not related to service or exposure to herbicide agents. The appellant did not meet the income threshold for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis of the groin, miliaria, and foot fungal infections are being remanded for additional development including a VA examination to assess current severity.

The Veteran's disability rating for dysthymic disorder was restored to 70 percent, effective July 1, 2008. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of receiving VA benefits, finding that she did not meet the legal requirements and there was no exception applicable.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or from being housebound has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a higher rating for balance dysfunction, loss of sense of smell, or residuals of PEG tube placement.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right elbow disorder, finding that there is no nexus between his active duty service and any current right elbow disorder. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has a right elbow disorder due to a disease or injury in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether pancreatic cancer, which caused the Veteran's death, had its onset during his military service. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of overpayment of VA Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) educational benefits in the amount of $2658.16.

The Board found that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $4,279 was properly created due to a delay in notifying VA of changes in marital status.

The Veteran's medical provider submitted a claim for reimbursement of emergency treatment provided at Santiam Memorial Hospital on January 5, 2014. The Board found that the appellant timely filed and submitted additional requested information regarding her reimbursement claim, thus granting payment.

The Veteran's death was caused by morphine toxicity, which is not considered a foreseeable event. The Board finds that VA compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is warranted.

The Board has decided that the claim for a higher rating for adjustment disorder should be remanded due to new evidence being added to the record.