Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board dismissed the appeal as there was no longer a justiciable case or controversy regarding whether the overpayment of VA compensation benefits due to receipt of active service pay from January 2006 to September 2006 was proper.

The Veteran's disability rating for other specified trauma-and stressor-related disorder was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Since May 14, 2019, his disability rating has been increased to 70 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's breathing issues and asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate April 2013 VA medical examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s service-connected pes planus caused his claimed left lower extremity tendon tear. The Veteran needs a new examination and opinion that adequately addresses both causation and aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck condition, finding that the Veteran's current neck condition is related to his period of active service and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Appellant's income exceeds the maximum annual death pension rate, so she is not eligible for non-service-connected death pension benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed hearing abnormalities, including whether they are related to in-service exposure to jet fuel and/or concussion.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for various foot disabilities. The Veteran's claim is being reviewed again with additional evidence and a new examination.

From September 24, 2009 to July 16, 2018, the Veteran's hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis and duodenal ulcer was rated at 30 percent.,Effective October 22, 2019, a rating of 60 percent for hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis and duodenal ulcer is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an inguinal hernia, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for residual, mumps and meningitis, finding that the conditions are related to the Veteran's period of active service.

The Board denied the appellant's request to extend her eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits beyond April 10, 2007. The decision was based on the appellant's failure to meet the legal requirements for an extension under VA regulations.

The Board has granted payment or reimbursement for medical expenses incurred on July 16, 2017 at SLMC due to the Veteran's emergency condition of a swollen node and her concerns about her daughter's wedding.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental condition, finding that there was no evidence of bone loss or trauma resulting in disability during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the July 2016 VA opinion regarding the Veteran's back disorder. An addendum opinion is needed to determine if the current degenerative disc and joint disease at L3/4 and L4/5 are related to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits because she did not provide sufficient evidence of a valid marriage, and her reported common law marriage was not recognized in Puerto Rico.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for vision problems and a skin condition, including rash. The issues are related to whether these conditions were incurred in service or due to exposure to herbicides.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's skin disability may be related to service, but needs further examination and medical opinion to determine this. The appeal is remanded.

The Board has denied a compensable evaluation for the Veteran's left fourth metacarpal fracture and has remanded the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Evaluation Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).