Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's adult biological daughter is not considered a child for purposes of DIC benefits and accrued benefits, as she did not meet the definition of a 'child' at the time of her father's death. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's GBS is denied as it was not caused by the October 7, 2013 influenza vaccination administered at a VA facility.,The Veteran's bowel dysfunction is denied as his April 2015 CT colonography did not result in additional disability and was conducted outside of a VA facility.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for DIC benefits due to their divorce, which bars her from eligibility.

The claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits was denied due to an untimely application, as the appellant filed her application more than four years after the Veteran's burial.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's IgA nephropathy may be linked to his in-service dust exposure. The examiner must consider that medical literature supports an association between long-term silica dust exposure and glomerulonephritis, which includes IgA nephropathy.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for bilateral onychomycosis of the toes is being remanded due to a need for clarification regarding whether oral Lamisil, a treatment previously prescribed for his condition, qualifies as systemic therapy.

The Board has remanded the case due to ambiguities in the record regarding the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and its onset. The effective date for service connection of coronary atherosclerosis and angina pectoris is being reviewed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for minimal amblyopia of the right eye, finding that there was no causal relationship between her current condition and her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glioblastoma, which was his immediate cause of death, is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure during service. As a result, service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) was received on May 27, 2015. The Board denied the request for an earlier effective date as it is not earlier than the date of receipt of the application.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his coronary condition is being remanded due to the submission of new VA medical records since the August 2018 SOC. The case will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a nose fracture has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, further development is needed as there are outstanding VA treatment records and personnel records that need to be obtained. Additionally, an additional VA examination is required to determine if any nasal disorder is related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for VA home loan guaranty benefits was denied because his service did not meet the required criteria, specifically serving less than six years and being discharged under honorable conditions due to unsatisfactory performance.

The Veteran's claim for Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been granted and effective since November 16, 2010. The appeal is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal was granted in full.

The Veteran's initial rating for limitation of motion of the right index finger from January 24, 2014 is denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for limitation of motion of the right ring finger from October 24, 2017 is denied as there is no evidence of impairment prior to this date and the current rating is the maximum possible under Diagnostic Code 5230.,The issue of an initial compensable rating for right hand injury prior to January 24, 2014 remains in appellate status due to a separate award of service connection for limitation of motion of the right ring finger from October 24, 2017. The Veteran's claim is still considered on appeal.,The issue of an initial compensable rating for limitation of motion of the right long finger from January 24, 2014 remains in appellate status as there are no indications of amputation or ankylosis and the current rating is the maximum possible under Diagnostic Code 5230.,The issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of motion of the right thumb from January 24, 2014 remains in appellate status as there are no indications of amputation or ankylosis and the current rating is the maximum possible under Diagnostic Code 5230.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a helicobacter pylori infection, finding no current diagnosis of such condition and thus denying the claim.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes, and removal of appendix due to lack of evidence or need for further examination. The claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for status post right hemicolectomy remains denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Veteran's left ring finger disability is granted a 10 percent rating, but no higher.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his neurogenic bladder and urinary incontinence are related to service or a service-connected condition, including as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's VA benefits were adjusted due to receipt of military drill pay, and he waived his right to receive both the compensation and the drill pay. The Board denied the appeal as there is no provision allowing concurrent receipt of active service drill pay and VA disability compensation.