Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected adhesions due to complications of a cesarean section is dismissed because the Veteran withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as they have no jurisdiction.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, lumbosacral strain, degenerative changes of the right shoulder, degenerative changes of the left shoulder, and bilateral hand disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The case is remanded for further development.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right eye disability and facial injury due to insufficient evidence. Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's lung disorder may be related to his in-service use of fire retardant chemicals, clothing, and other equipment. However, a VA examiner is needed to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's unspecified trauma disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are less severe than what would be required for a 50% or higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of unspecified gastrointestinal disorder, prostatitis, and unspecified fatigue have been granted. The claim for unspecified gastrointestinal disorder is presumed to be due to exposure in the Gulf War. The claims for prostatitis and unspecified fatigue are also presumed as they were not diagnosed until after December 21, 2021.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnosed conditions and his military service.

The Veteran did not serve during a period of war and was not receiving or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability at the time of his death, thus denying non-service connected death pension benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for shortness of breath due to environmental hazards is denied as there is no current diagnosis related to the claimed condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bone spurs and arch problems is granted, but the case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to address whether her bilateral pes planus is congenital or acquired.

The Board denied the claim for accrued benefits as the appellant is not a child of the Veteran and did not bear the expense of last sickness and burial.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left and right hips due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether these conditions were proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cold injury residuals is granted due to the submission of new and material evidence, including an article that suggests a possible neurological relationship between in-service cold injuries and current numbness.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gynecological disorder due to new and material evidence. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is considered concurrently with the direct service connection issue.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for death benefits purposes, finding that she did not meet the legal requirements of a common law marriage at the time of the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for schizoaffective disorder and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).