Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic myeloid leukemia, which he contends is related to in-service exposure to Agent Orange, has been remanded due to the need for an adequate addendum opinion from a VA medical examiner. The Veteran was not provided with his treating doctor's opinion regarding this issue.

The Veteran's annual income, after deducting medical expenses and other recurring payments, exceeded the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR), thus failing to meet the criteria for non-service connected pension benefits.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the Veteran's ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities during specific time periods. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic pain syndrome resulting from his service-connected right inguinal hernia repair surgery is established, and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability, claimed as gum infection and dental condition of the upper and lower teeth, is denied. The preponderance of evidence does not support the presence of a current dental disability or any dental trauma in service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for cataracts, which he claims are related to an in-service injury and/or exposure to radiation. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his diagnosed eye disorders.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to VA educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and as such, the claim is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability is etiologically related to his in-service injury and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the overpayment of $23,880.00 was validly created due to administrative error on VA's part, while the remaining overpayment of $23,260.00 was deemed invalid and waived.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's need for treatment was a medical emergency and VA facilities were not feasibly available, thus granting reimbursement or payment of medical expenses incurred at a private hospital from January 30, 2014 to January 31, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for varicocele, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation during service and concluding that direct service connection is not warranted.

The Veteran did not have a permanent total service-connected disability at the time of his death, and service connection has not been established for the cause of his death. Therefore, the appellant does not meet the basic requirements for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35.

The Board has granted service connection for glioblastoma of the left temporal lobe, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected glioblastoma has also been established, qualifying him for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected meningioma with voiding dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent from February 1, 2014 to May 5, 2016. Effective May 5, 2016, the Veteran reported needing absorbent materials changed more than 4 times a day due to his service-connected meningioma with voiding dysfunction, warranting an initial 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder with depressed mood was granted, effective from November 26, 2013.

The Veteran was granted a 50 percent evaluation for adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance and conduct with alcohol use disorder from June 29, 2007 until July 25, 2015.,A 20 percent evaluation was assigned to the unspecified back injury from April 30, 2008 until July 25, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disabilities, including actinic keratoses and Bowen's disease/carcinoma insitu. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service, particularly given his reported sun exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of memory loss and did not suffer from a head injury during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's hip disorder and brittleness of bones are being remanded due to the pending service connection claim for tonsillar cancer. The claims will be reconsidered after a decision on the tonsillar cancer claim is made.