Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tendonitis of his left elbow is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's authorized representative requesting withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diverticulitis is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and now requires a new one with additional information on whether the Veteran's chronic skin condition is related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the proceeds of the Veteran's National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) policy should be distributed according to a settlement agreement between the appellant and the Veteran's three children. However, due to potential legal complications, the case is being remanded for the ROIC to make an initial determination regarding the proper disbursement of the proceeds in accordance with the February 2014 settlement agreement.

The Veteran's acute myeloid leukemia is presumed to have been related to contaminated water exposure during his active duty service at Camp Lejeune, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition as an accrued benefit.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the whole body, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coccydynia is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death was not covered by VA burial benefits as the appellant, who is a funeral director, did not meet the eligibility criteria for receiving these benefits.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's right ring and little finger disability, finding that there was no functional impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted payment or reimbursement for medical expenses incurred by the Veteran at St. Vincent's Hospital Center due to a transient ischemic attack and confusion, finding that these services were provided in an emergency situation and that the Veteran was not covered by any health plan contract.

The Board has remanded the cases due to missing documentation regarding the Appellant's remarriage and her second spouse's death.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is remanded for further evaluation, and the TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral lagophthalmos and the TDIU issue are both being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and need for additional development.

The overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $540.15 is properly created due to a retroactive reduction in the compensation rate as of the 61st day of the Veteran’s incarceration following felony conviction.

The Veteran's death is attributable to a service-connected or compensable disability, and the VA must make reasonable efforts to obtain relevant medical records from SSA and Scott and White Memorial Hospital.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for fatigue, finding that there is no diagnosed disability manifested by fatigue and that his symptoms are attributable to known clinical diagnoses such as sleep apnea and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has found conflicting findings in the administrative decision regarding who lived with the Veteran prior to his death. The divorce decree and supporting material from the October 2002 Mexican court are requested for incorporation into the record.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of whether he is competent to handle disbursement of VA funds.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence to decide the claim. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination to determine if his current carpal tunnel syndrome is related to his military service.