Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran seeks service connection for Eustachian tube dysfunction, which he claims is related to his service-connected tinnitus. The VA examiner did not locate records from Dr. M., who diagnosed the Veteran with Eustachian tube dysfunction.

The Veteran did not have any pending claims for benefits at the time of his death, and all due periodic payments had been made. Therefore, there are no accrued benefits to be awarded.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as she is not recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes.

The Veteran withdrew the claims of service connection for testicular cysts, shingles, and appendectomy on the record at a hearing. He also withdrew the remaining claims in writing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct VA examinations for his nail and skin conditions, and determine the nature of his bilateral hearing loss. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not file a timely substantive appeal for the January 2009 rating decision denying service connection for mental deficiency, borderline intelligence (claimed as mental health condition).

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected stab wound residual deep venous thrombosis with pseudoaneurysm of the right lower extremity is being remanded due to evidence indicating a worsening of symptoms since his last VA examination in April 2016. Additional treatment records are also needed.

The Veteran died in February 2012 and was cremated. The appellant applied for nonservice-connected burial benefits, but the claim is denied as there was no pending claim for benefits at the time of death.

The Veteran's endophthalmitis and subsequent loss of vision in the right eye are considered a known complication of cataract surgery performed by VA, and thus compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and issues related to burial benefits in excess of $300, as well as service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant must provide a copy of the Veteran's death certificate and funeral expenses receipts.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to accurately calculate the appellant's countable income and unreimbursed medical expenses, which are relevant to her claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including clarifying income and medical expense information, updating employment status, and determining if the appellant is in need of aid and attendance or housebound benefits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for nasal cyst, scalp cyst, and skin rash as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on the cause of his missing ear bones and determining if extraschedular relief should be provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for actinic keratosis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and clarification of his exposure history. The Board will consider whether the condition began during service or was aggravated by service, based on the evidence provided.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to lack of active military, naval, or air service and thus not meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.318.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and hospital administrative records from March 25, 2013. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses will be reconsidered based on this additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed as there are no allegations of errors of fact or law to be resolved.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the legal requirements to be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's colon cancer, including whether it is related to exposure to chemicals and herbicide agents during service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.