Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's atrial fibrillation is considered a disease and not service-connected, as it was initially diagnosed during INACDUTRA (inactive duty training) which does not qualify for service connection under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service and the relationship between his essential tremors and his military service.

The Board has ordered the Veteran's VA medical records from 2011 to 2013 for review. The claims will be reconsidered after this information is obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and earlier effective dates have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and uterine fibroids as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's death occurred before the eligibility criteria for a government-furnished headstone or grave marker were established, thus denying the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound status or need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on complete organic aphonia is denied. The Board found that the criteria for both were not met.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's service-connected right foot cold injury residuals to a noncompensable rating, effective January 1, 2019, is proper based on evidence showing sustained improvement and/or complete resolution of his condition.

The Veteran's chronic myelogenous leukemia is found to be at least as likely as not related to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's skin disability and Barrett's esophagus are granted as due to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent. Service connection for bilateral cataracts is denied.

The Board denied the application to recognize the appellant as the surviving spouse of the Veteran due to her previous denial and lack of new, material evidence.

The Veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as mycosis fungoides and lymphoid papulosis, required the use of systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressives on a constant or near-constant basis prior to June 10, 2013. The Board granted an initial rating of 60 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for higher SMC based on the need for aid and attendance has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for back pain, and thus the claim is denied.

The Veteran's fungal rash has worsened, and the Board is remanding the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected breast disorder and her left breast cancer. The claim for a temporary total disability rating is also being referred back to the AOJ.

The Veteran's bilateral foot Charcot arthropathy was a reasonably foreseeable risk of the vascular surgeries conducted at a VA facility in 2007 and 2008, and did not result from carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of failure on the part of the VA.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for Parents' DIC benefits from January 1, 2005 due to a lack of adequate verification of income.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's claimed residuals of cold injury to both feet. The examiner is asked to determine if these disabilities are related to service, including any reported cold injury during service in Iceland.