Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the appellant's discharge was under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct, and therefore does not qualify as a veteran for VA purposes. The appeal is denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 1, 2013 for the award of DIC based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to liver cancer. The decision is based on the Veteran's exposure to contaminated water in Vietnam and his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's herpes simplex of the eyes was first diagnosed during her service and has continued to recur since then, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's arthritis of the left hand is granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of fracture of the left third finger.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance is being remanded due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration (SSA). The VA needs to obtain any decision and related medical records from SSA, as well as provide an opportunity for the Veteran to submit additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and new evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's dysphagia.

The Veteran's service-connected shell fragment wound in the right sacroiliac area is rated at 10 percent since May 9, 2011. The Board found that there was only one painful scar and no evidence of three or more unstable scars, thus denying an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected elevated liver enzymes disability is now rated at 30 percent effective September 17, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for traumatic arthritis of the left hip, concluding that the condition preexisted service and was not aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chondromalacia and DJD of both knees, finding that the conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, manifested by pleural plaquing, is at least as likely as not related to his service exposure to asbestos. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, rating increase, and TDIU due to new evidence received since the last examination. The claims are being reviewed in light of updated medical opinions linking the Veteran's stroke to his heart disability and potential aggravation.

The Veteran's veneers were inserted during active duty service, but any post-service defects are not subject to service connection for VA compensation purposes. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of a dental disability for which service connection may be granted.

The Board denied compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of hernia surgery and residuals of hydrocele surgery, finding no fault on VA's part in either case.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip necrosis, finding that the condition is at least as likely as not caused by an in-service injury. The decision also acknowledges that the Veteran's lumbar spine and right hip disabilities may have contributed to his current condition.

The Veteran died from cardiorespiratory arrest and myocardial infraction, but had no service-connected disabilities. Therefore, he is not eligible for VA burial benefits.

The Veteran's brain tumor is not service-connected, and the claim for accrued benefits purposes has been denied.,Special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an adequate medical opinion regarding whether his additional disability was caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill.

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

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from June 1, 2009 to August 10, 2013 due to service-connected schizoaffective disorder preventing him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria.