Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their passing away, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and ITP, finding that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of exposure to hazardous chemicals during service. The Board also found that the current diagnoses were not related to service.

The claim for service connection for a lung disability, claimed as fibrosing mediastinitis, was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, service connection remains denied because there is clear and unmistakable evidence showing that the Veteran's fibrosing mediastinitis existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral feet disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, his claim is denied as there is no probative medical evidence indicating current bilateral feet disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's cause of death is attributed to metastatic colon cancer. The Board has decided that the exposure to toxins in service, including depleted uranium and other environmental exposures, may be related to his development of colon cancer. However, further medical opinion is needed to determine if these exposures caused or contributed substantially to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to exposure to Agent Orange, as well as the claim to reopen a previously denied myasthenia gravis claim. The VA is directed to obtain all relevant VA treatment records and ensure that the May 1989 rating decision is associated with the record.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected due to the lack of evidence linking his respiratory failure and coronary disease to his military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet any criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The waiver of recovery of the overpayment of improved death pension benefits is not precluded by fraud, misrepresentation or bad faith. The case is remanded for further consideration under the standard of equity and good conscience.

The Board denied payment of nonservice-connected pension benefits because the Veteran's annual income exceeded the applicable maximum annual pension rate for a veteran with one dependent.

The Veteran's spouse is not eligible for DIC, accrued benefits, or death pension as she remarried within the required time frame and did not qualify as a surviving spouse under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous directives regarding obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is remanded due to unclear information about other insurance coverage.

The Veteran died in 1990 and is buried in a private cemetery. The VA does not have authority to provide a government-furnished headstone or marker for the Veteran's privately-marked grave because he died before November 1, 1990.

The Veteran died in 1990 and is buried in a private cemetery. The VA does not have authority to provide a government-furnished headstone or marker for the Veteran's privately-marked grave because he died before November 1, 1990.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether VA recommended cataract surgery and if VA care providers were negligent in recommending it. The Veteran's detached retina is being evaluated for causation.

The Veteran's surviving spouse is not eligible for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to her annual income exceeding the maximum annual pension rate.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and entitlement to accrued benefits due to the appellant's withdrawal from appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to incomplete records and need for further investigation regarding his time in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a retinal hole in the left eye was denied as there is no evidence of an event, injury, or disease related to his current left eye disorder during active duty service.

The Board is remanding the case due to missing documents and requests for a de novo review by a Decision Review Officer.