Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for a higher rating on his bilateral hearing loss claim has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot hammertoes, finding that the condition was incurred during military service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied because he did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the August 2015 notification letter that amended his disability pension award based on income changes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his bilateral foot condition, finding that there was no persuasive evidence of an in-service disease or injury concerning his feet condition.

The Veteran's request to reconsider the denial of his claim for service connection for a dental condition is granted. The matter of entitlement to service connection for a dental condition, on the merits, is remanded.

The Veteran's back pain is not considered to be related to any VA treatment, and therefore compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the condition is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for laryngeal carcinoma, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune and his cancer. The Board also found that smoking was a significant risk factor for laryngeal cancer.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue, decreased concentration and memory loss, and Unspecified Personality Disorder. The Board found that these conditions are not separate disabilities from his service-connected Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's glioblastoma multiforme is related to service, including conceded exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for TDIU due to withdrawal by the Veteran's representative. The case is remanded for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding the right fourth metacarpal fracture residuals, including neurological manifestations.

The Veteran's right inferior quadrantanopsia is determined to be the result of his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) with old myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to liver cancer, as there was no evidence linking it to military service or exposure. The claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits was also denied because the veteran did not meet any of the criteria set by VA.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination and the need for another VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a new opinion regarding the cause of death and whether PTSD aggravated chronic obstructive lung disease, as well as addressing asbestos exposure. The Veteran's cause of death is listed as COPD but there are also records indicating bronchiogenic carcinoma.

The appellant's service with the Coast Guard Reserve is not considered active military, naval, or air service due to lack of documented active duty. Therefore, he does not meet eligibility criteria for future burial in a VA national cemetery.

The Veteran's fourth and fifth fingers of the right hand have been rated at 20 percent, which is the highest rating available for unfavorable ankylosis. The decision does not address service connection or exposure basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits due to insufficient information provided regarding his rental properties, leading to a determination that he has excessive net worth and inadequate income.

The Veteran's right rotator cuff disorder is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 40 percent, which represents the highest possible rating under VA regulations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cause of death is related to service, but needs further clarification on whether exposure to asbestos or smoke from oil fires in the Persian Gulf contributed to his death. The VA must obtain post-service medical records and request an opinion regarding these exposures.

The decedent is not the appellant's child, and therefore ineligible for burial in a VA national cemetery.