Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's use of prescribed topical skin medications for his service-connected lower extremity burns caused irreparable damage to his clothing, and the Board has granted a clothing allowance for the year 2017.

The VA denied the claim for a memorial headstone or grave marker because the decedent served in the Confederate Army, not the U.S. Armed Forces, and therefore does not qualify as a veteran.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for ureter cancer, finding that his current condition is more likely than not related to his exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer, finding that there is no causal relationship between his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and his current diagnosis of colon cancer.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations for his left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent based on either limitation of motion or instability at any point during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia, finding no evidence of a direct relationship to service or exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's MDS was diagnosed in 2018, after his military service ended.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding disability compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for neck and back disabilities due to VA medical treatment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for liver lesions and a gall bladder disability due to potential exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected diverticulosis is granted at a 10 percent rating. Service connection for shortness of breath due to Persian Gulf War exposure is also granted.

The claims for service connection for bilateral cataracts and compensation for loss of vision in the left eye pursuant to 38 U.S.C. §1151 are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's gout of the right and left great toes is currently rated at 60 percent, but the Board has denied an evaluation in excess of this rating.

The Veteran's current refractive error is considered a congenital or developmental defect of the eyes and not a disease or injury within the meaning of applicable legislation relating to service connection. The Board denied service connection for cataracts as there was no disease, injury, or trauma to the eyes in service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cholangiocarcinoma, which may be related to his military service. The Veteran is asked to provide additional information and possibly undergo a medical examination.

The Board has decided that the claim for service connection for residuals of a TIA, which is secondary to service-connected sleep apnea and hypertension, needs further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed because the claim has become moot due to his death.

The Board has determined that a medical opinion is needed to assess whether the Veteran experienced additional disability due to potential negligence in the use of surgical mesh during his hernia procedures, and will remand the case for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's DIC claim for further development, including obtaining records from NPRMC and preparing a radiation dosage estimate based on the Veteran's in-service duties. A VA oncologist is also needed to determine if the Veteran’s pancreatic cancer was due to exposure to chemicals at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities, as it is unclear if this condition is related to service-connected coronary artery disease or due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a hysterectomy secondary to endometriosis is granted, as she has a current disability and her endometriosis was not aggravated during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's loss of use of lung was caused by VA's handling of his Coumadin therapy.