Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's manic depressive illness-depressed type reaction was rated at 50 percent prior to October 7, 2016, and 70 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in either period.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits with special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied because he failed to provide adequate information about his income and assets, leading to a determination that his income exceeded the maximum allowable amount.

The Board has granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, finding that it is related to the Veteran's in-service herbicide exposure. The condition was presumed due to burn pit exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected bronchiectasis, finding that the requirements for a schedular TDIU were not met and that he was unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment due to his disability. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the appellant's request for a waiver of overpayment of Chapter 35 DEA benefits due to her failure to file a timely request within the required 180-day period.

The Board denied an effective date earlier than June 21, 1994 for the grant of service connection for spondylolysis at L5-S1 due to a factual error in receiving a claim for increased rating before any application to reopen the previously denied low back disorder.

The Veteran's representative withdrew his claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for the regular aid and attendance (A&A) of another person or housebound status.

The Board denied higher ratings for the Veteran's C5 fracture residuals, finding that all periods since 1974 were already covered by previous rating decisions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for herpes zoster and an initial compensable rating for herpes progenitalis, finding that there is no current diagnosis of either condition.

The Board dismissed the appeal as there remains no matter in controversy for which the Board has jurisdiction.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current dental disability, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of an extraschedular rating for duodenal ulcer and referral to the Director of Compensation for a TDIU determination.

The Veteran's gastritis and Barrett's esophagus are related to his service-connected GERD, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits and service connection for the cause of his death. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's death to his military service.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's pancreatic cancer was related to his periodontal disease and/or stomach ulcers, which may have developed during service or within one year after service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an ulnar nerve condition of the right upper extremity, a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of TBI, and other issues related to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected aortic and mitral valve replacement due to bacterial endocarditis and gouty arthritis, right great toe were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for thoracic lordoscoliosis and is now considering it on its merits. The Veteran was previously denied in 2009, but new evidence supports reopening the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's discharge from July 22, 2005 to September 8, 2006 was under dishonorable conditions and therefore constitutes a bar to VA benefits based on this period of service.