Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is not related to service-connected conditions. The Board found that the non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition unrelated to herbicide exposure, was the primary cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current right hand condition is related to his in-service metacarpal fracture of the 5th finger and whether there was clear and unmistakable aggravation during service.

The Veteran's initial disability evaluations for left and right knee conditions have been denied. The Veteran was granted a 10% evaluation for his right knee condition post-meniscectomy, but the other claims were not granted.

The Veteran's current left knee condition, diagnosed as patellofemoral crepitation and syndrome, was not demonstrated during service or related to an in-service injury. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neurobehavioral deficits due to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune is remanded as additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's arthritis is related to his in-service exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right thumb disability. The matter of entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis is also remanded.

The Veteran's death was due to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which the VA physician concluded was likely related to his exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune during service. The effective date for DIC is set as December 1, 1998, based on the appellant's timely claim and the existence of relevant evidence prior to the initial denial in March 1999.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for periodontal disease is denied as it does not meet the criteria for compensation under VA regulations.,The Veteran's bilateral zygoma fractures are rated as resolved and do not warrant a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran's septoplasty of fractured nose is currently assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum allowed under current VA guidelines.,The Veteran's residuals of fractured maxilla have no compensable conditions due to his history of chronic periodontal disease and smoking.,The Veteran’s otitis media with left eustachian tube dysfunction remains at a 10 percent evaluation as there are no additional symptoms warranting higher ratings.,The Veteran's fracture mandible with TMJ dysfunction is rated under the revised criteria since September 10, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder with alcohol use and cannabis use disorder is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has granted separate 10 percent ratings for instability in the left and right knees, but denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for arthritis of both knees.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right inguinal hernia, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and atrial fibrillation have not been manifested by more than four episodes per year that were documented by ECG or Holter monitor, thus the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by esophageal cancer, which the Board finds to be related to his military service. The claims for carcinoma of the intestine and benign/malignant neoplasms of the stomach are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for throat and lung disabilities as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's surviving spouse was denied death pension benefits as her income exceeded the maximum allowable amount.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder was rated at 100% effective September 30, 2010. This decision is based on the evidence showing an increase in severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board has found that the number of drill pay days was revised from 160 to 72, and thus an audit should be conducted on remand.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for arthritis of the hips and back, as well as an extension of temporary total rating. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw it before a decision was made.