Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's VRAP benefits were stopped due to her failure to maintain satisfactory attendance. The Board finds that the overpayment was not against equity and good conscience, thus granting a waiver of recovery.

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

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claim for service connection for gastritis, previously claimed as gallbladder condition, has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest with malignant brain cancer, atherosclerosis, and hyperlipidemia. The service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for vision loss as a residual to right eye trauma, but denied service connection for right eye vision loss associated with amblyopia. The Veteran's vision loss is attributed to an in-service traumatic event, while his amblyopia is considered a congenital defect.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to PCBs and radiation at his military station, which could potentially connect his tonsil cancer to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions, specifically hardening of the arteries and psoriatic arthritis. The claims will be reconsidered after these opinions are obtained.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was established after the appellant reached her 26th birthday, making her ineligible for these benefits.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to new and material evidence submitted by the appellant. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder is rated at 50 percent, the lowest possible rating. The evidence shows reduced motivation and difficulty in maintaining work relationships but no other significant impairment.

The Veteran's son is seeking DIC benefits as the helpless child of his father due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching age 18. The VA needs to obtain relevant medical records and SSA disability determination information.

The Veteran died from ischemic cardiomyopathy, but the Appellant contends that his service-connected peptic ulcer disease contributed to his death. The VA needs to obtain medical records from McLeod Regional Medical Center and McLeod Hospice House to determine if the peptic ulcer disease was a factor in the cause of death.

The Veteran's annual income exceeded the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for Special Monthly Pension based on need for aid and attendance, even after considering unreimbursed medical expenses. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to VA benefits based upon the character of the appellant’s military service. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if the appellant was insane at the time he committed his offense.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives and requires further development of the evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to radiation. The case is being remanded for obtaining relevant records from the Air Force Medical Support Agency.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand/finger disability, finding that there is no current diagnosis of such a disability and insufficient evidence to find residuals from an in-service injury.

The appellant withdrew her appeal regarding service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Board has granted the veteran's petition to reopen their claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC fund, but denied the appeal as they do not meet the legal requirements for obtaining such benefits.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension was denied because he failed to provide the necessary income information, and thus did not meet the income requirements.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for shingles was denied as there is no current diagnosis or treatment record of the condition.