Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for residuals of a nasal fracture and granted it. The Veteran's deviated nasal septum is found to be related to his in-service injury, but there is insufficient evidence to support a finding that he has a current sinus disability or dental disfigurement.

The Board finds that the Veteran's TMJ arthritis, TMJ dysfunction, and bone loss are related to his active duty service. The evidence is in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are etiologically linked to his jaw fracture during service.

The Board has determined that apportionment of 60 percent of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits on behalf of the appellant is granted, beginning October 15, 2010, during the Veteran's incarceration.

The Veteran's right lung pulmonary embolism has been rated at 60 percent since the appeal period began, based on the need for anticoagulant therapy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of his skin condition and cysts.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected supraventricular tachycardia and/or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, effective from January 5, 2016.

The Veteran's service does not qualify for the required wartime service to be eligible for non-service connected pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alternating exotropia/strabismus and diplopia were aggravated in service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcoholism is not service-connected on a direct basis and there is no evidence to support secondary service connection. Therefore, the claim for service connection for alcoholism/dementia due to alcoholism is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for a VA examination of the Veteran's spine.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for a medical examination to assess her prolapsed uterus. The claim will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's surviving spouse died in February 2012, and the Appellant filed a claim for accrued benefits more than one year after her death. The Board denied the claim as it was not filed within the required time frame.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected condition, and the claim for burial benefits is denied as there are no conditions met under either old or new regulations.

The Board finds that VA had notice of the Veteran's dependent's existence and proof of the Veteran's marriage as of August 9, 2005, which is considered the effective date for additional service-connected compensation for dependents.

The Veteran's adult child is denied accrued benefits as he does not qualify as a 'child' and the expenses reported are not related to his mother's last sickness or burial.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by multiple myeloma, which is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam due to exposure to herbicide agents. As a result, the appeal for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of a right foot fracture is denied as there is no evidence of a right foot fracture in service or its residuals.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the validity of an overpayment of VA pension benefits in the amount of $31,820.00.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on May 4, 2014 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he was gainfully employed until January 2016, and his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.