Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 26, 2017, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for partial superficial peripheral nerve (tibial nerve) paresis of the right foot is remanded. The TDIU issue is also remanded due to missing VA treatment records and a need for further development.

The Veteran's death was not service connected, and the appellant did not provide evidence of a pending claim for compensation or pension benefits. The appeal is denied as there are no legal grounds to grant burial benefits.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability other than ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran's current congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy were not related to his military service or presumed herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether service-connected pes planus aggravates the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized joint pain, finding that there is no objective evidence of a diagnosed disorder and noting that his symptoms are not linked to his time in service.

The Veteran's service connection for colon cancer and liver cancer secondary to colon cancer is granted due to presumed herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a head injury due to insufficient reasoning and lack of a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding asbestos exposure during service and a need for additional medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's cause of death.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there is no indication in the record that his cardiovascular or skin conditions were related to active service.

The Veteran's VA benefits were reduced due to receipt of drill pay for 31 days in fiscal year 2012. The Board finds that there is a discrepancy regarding the number of training days and/or drill pay days she received, and orders further investigation by contacting the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) or other appropriate Federal records repository.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pelvic girdle and thigh muscle disability, claimed as piriformis syndrome, is remanded due to inadequate medical evidence. A VA examination is needed to determine if the condition is related to in-service injury or disease, or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board found that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $4,790.81 due to removal of a dependent from the compensation award was properly created.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being homebound is denied as he does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's breast cancer, including whether it is related to his military service or any prescribed medication for PTSD.

The Board has found that additional medical records were added to the claims file after a previous decision, and as such, an SSOC must be issued for consideration of these new records.

The Board has remanded the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals. The appellant is required to provide records of private care her husband received, and a VA physician will be asked to assess whether these residuals alone require regular aid and attendance, make the Veteran permanently bedridden, need his aid and attendance, or render him permanently housebound.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability.,The appellant did not meet the income requirements for survivors' pension.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim for service connection of a digestive system disability, including GERD, hiatal hernia, and esophagitis, is granted. The Veteran’s left quadricep atrophy has been rated as severe (40%). Service connection for the digestive system disability remains remanded due to new evidence not previously considered. Service connection for the left quadriceps atrophy is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions. The Veteran must be asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain private treatment records from UIHC, McFarland Clinic, Mercy Hospital, and Drs. J.G.

The claim for service connection for polycythemia vera is not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The skin disorder claim is remanded as there are outstanding VA treatment records that need to be obtained.