Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for inguinal nerve entrapment of the right lower extremity was granted in May 2015. However, his condition has worsened over the last three years and he is now completely incapacitated due to severe pain. The Board finds a remand necessary to obtain updated medical evidence and conduct a new examination.

The Veteran's atrial fibrillation and arrhythmia are being remanded for a VA examination to determine if they are related to his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's shortness of breath and chest pain are being granted service connection as manifestations of an undiagnosed illness. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the cause of these symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and temporary total evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of the cost of medical services received at Central Florida Hospital on August 21, 2014 is granted. The treatment was deemed to be emergency care and a VA facility was not feasibly available.

The Veteran's glioblastoma, which caused his death in January 2010, was not found to be service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for nerve damage to back with right-lower leg disorder and left-lower leg disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's mood disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right ankle degenerative arthritis. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of right hip degenerative joint disease, which is found to be at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected right ankle degenerative arthritis.

The Board granted the reopening of the DIC claim on December 3, 2012. The effective date for this grant is set at December 3, 2012.

The Board denied DIC benefits as the Appellant did not qualify as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of eligibility for VA death benefits due to Florida's abolition of common law marriage and lack of legal recognition.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for degenerative joint disease of the left knee was denied. Prior to February 20, 2018, he received a 10% disability rating. Effective February 20, 2018, his disability rating was increased to 30%. The Board found no evidence supporting an increase in ratings beyond these levels.

The Board has granted service connection for atrial fibrillation as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and thus favoring the Veteran.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the chest and basal cell carcinoma of the mid-scalp were granted a 10% rating each, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 were denied as the evidence did not show that her current foot conditions resulted from negligent or careless medical care by VA.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's skin cancer is related to in-service sunlight exposure and/or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: one regarding a claim of CUE in the November 1989 rating decision, and another regarding whether he filed a timely notice of disagreement with a March 1998 VBA decision. Both appeals are currently pending and need to be remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left eye exotropia with amblyopia, finding that his pre-existing condition worsened over time and was not aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's current throat disorder is related to his service.

The Board denied service connection for breast cancer, finding that the Veteran's condition did not start during or as a result of her military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.