Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left hip disorder is not service-connected, but remands the case for further development to gather updated medical records and obtain an additional opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for malignant thymoma, finding that his condition was at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The decision is based on a medical opinion provided by the Veteran's private cardiothoracic surgeon.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's stomach disorder and its relation to service, specifically exposure at Camp Lejeune. Additional development is needed.

The appeal is remanded due to the need for further review of evidence submitted after an initial decision but before transfer to the Board. The appellant's claim includes a request for VA burial benefits, which is currently under consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, to include chronic pneumonia, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against finding that his current condition began during service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's throat cancer and his exposure as a smoke and flame specialist. The Veteran is not presumed exposed to herbicides, but he contends that he was exposed to various chemicals while serving in this role.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with anxious features, has been granted. However, the appeal is dismissed as there are no longer any issues in controversy.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for basal cell carcinoma, right hand and residual non-linear scar, and residuals of right hand basal cell carcinoma, linear scar, and squamous cell carcinoma, right upper arm are denied as his skin malignancies do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Board found that the overpayment of additional VA compensation benefits for a dependent in the amount of $19,377.28 was valid and properly created.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's eye disorder and herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's surviving spouse died in December 2016, and the appellant filed for accrued benefits. The VA awarded $8,396.24 to cover expenses related to her mother's last illness and funeral. The appellant sought additional benefits but was denied as she did not meet the eligibility criteria for accrued benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's surviving spouse status, finding that there was no valid common-law marriage due to Georgia law not recognizing such marriages after January 1, 1997. The appellant and the Veteran cohabitated for over six months prior to their March 2015 ceremonial marriage but did so primarily to save money for a wedding.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of the effect of Warfarin on the Veteran's musculoskeletal disabilities. The claim will be reviewed with a new opinion that specifically addresses this issue.

The Veteran's dental disability is remanded for further examination and review of records to determine if it is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient documentation of the Veteran's claim for reimbursement of ambulance transport on August 11, 2013. The AOJ is required to obtain and associate relevant VA treatment records and authorization/payment documents with the claims file.

The Board has found that the VA Medical Center (VAMC) did not substantially comply with a February 2019 remand instruction to obtain a medical opinion from Dr. T.H.Y., and thus, the case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral eye condition, left hand pain, and right hand pain due to insufficient rationale in previous VA examinations and the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for myofascial pain syndrome prior to February 6, 2014, on an extraschedular basis was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for myofascial pain syndrome since February 6, 2014, on an extraschedular basis was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for individual unemployability prior to April 13, 2016 is being remanded due to the failure to refer it to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of teeth for compensation purposes, finding that there was no evidence of a compensable dental condition resulting from in-service treatment.