Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lipomas and related skin cancers did not manifest in service or are otherwise unrelated to active duty service.,There is no evidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during the appeal period.

The Veteran's residuals of cancer of the right vocal cord have been rated at 10 percent since December 20, 2005. The current evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and examinations. The issues on appeal are related to the initial compensable disability rating for right hydrocele associated with post-operative right inguinal hernia and an increased disability rating for post-operative right inguinal hernia.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA death benefit purposes and also finds that there are no grounds to grant an apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, including patent foramen ovale, mitral valve prolapse, and septal defect (patent foramen ovale), was not incurred in service. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ulcer disease, dyspepsia, anemia and urinary disability (including urinary incontinence, dysuria and hematuria) have been denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The Board finds that the Veteran did not incur these conditions in service.

The Board denied the appellant's request for waiver of overpayment of aid and attendance benefits, finding that her actions in misrepresenting her net worth on her application were done in bad faith.

The Board has remanded the issue of initial disability ratings for urinary incontinence due to incomplete compliance with prior remand orders.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his IVDS was denied as the evidence did not show that he had ankylosis or limitation of motion to a degree warranting a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his bowel dysfunction prior to May 8, 2012 and thereafter was denied. The evidence showed occasional involuntary bowel movements necessitating wearing of a pad but not extensive leakage.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bruxism is service connected, but there is no current diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder for which compensation or VA outpatient treatment may be awarded.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin cancer lesions are not related to cold injuries sustained during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's esophageal cancer was not present during active service and is not related to his military service or secondary to a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility for dental treatment other than Class VI was denied as he does not meet the criteria for any of the eligible classes.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's right hip osteoid osteoma, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and did not have a link to ionizing radiation exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for sterility will be reconsidered.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits as the Veteran did not serve on active duty during a period of war, and there is no evidence of disability during his National Guard service.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability compensation benefits payments due to a fugitive felon status from November [REDACTED], 2001 to September [REDACTED], 2004, was not proper. The overpayment of $73,619.92 created is not a valid debt and the Veteran's VA benefits were restored effective September [REDACTED], 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA aid and attendance/housebound examination to determine whether the Veteran is in need of aid and attendance from another individual.