Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and therefore the claim for burial benefits is denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating from 20 percent to 10 percent for LLE varicose veins was improper and restored the original 20 percent evaluation. The Veteran's RLE varicose veins are currently rated as noncompensable prior to June 17, 2015, and at a 10 percent rating from that date forward.

The Veteran's left leg condition, specifically the residuals of a left femur fracture, is being remanded for further evaluation due to recent worsening symptoms and inconsistencies with previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left arm condition and its relationship to his service-connected left shoulder condition. The issues of service connection for a left arm condition and TDIU prior to December 9, 2014 are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's overpayment of $1778.29 for attorney fees was properly created due to a failure to withhold the fee from past-due benefits, and the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new examination to determine the current nature and severity of his back disability, including whether there are any incapacitating episodes. The Veteran also has an issue regarding a separate rating for limited extension of the left elbow.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses at Englewood Community Hospital for constipation and abdominal pain were approved as the treatment was necessary due to a service-connected condition, and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board denied service connection for ulcerative colitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not causally related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for flashbacks and zoning out was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's death did not result in any accrued benefits due to the appellant, as there were no claims pending at the time of his death and he had no unpaid benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peptic ulcer and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between Graves' disease and service, including herbicide exposure. The Veteran's private doctor provided an opinion linking the condition to Agent Orange exposure, but the Board found this insufficient for a determination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pancreatic cancer and cause of death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his cancer and service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral eye condition, finding that his myopic astigmatism is not a disease or injury in the meaning of VA compensation purposes and thus cannot be service connected.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for glioblastoma multiforme, including as due to herbicide agent exposure, has been dismissed because the appellant withdrew her appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and the need for an adequate VA opinion regarding the left eye visual field defect.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for periodontal disease with necrosis, finding no current dental disability that is a residual of a combat wound or other trauma in service and the Veteran does not meet the legal requirements for service connection for the limited purpose of receiving VA outpatient treatment.

The Board has granted dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, attributing it to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted the veteran's surviving spouse non-service-connected death pension based on her net worth, as it is not excessive for receiving pension benefits considering her life expectancy and potential rate of depletion.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is denied as there is no evidence showing initial manifestations of ALL in service or within one year of separation from service, and the Board finds no relationship between the Veteran’s ALL and active duty service.