Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's death was ruled due to atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. The Board has decided to remand the case for further review, including seeking an independent medical expert opinion on whether VA care contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for a fracture of the left foot 5th metatarsal with residuals prior to July 29, 2008, and a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter is denied. The Board found that his symptoms were mild to moderate during this period.

The Veteran's death prevented the accrued benefits claim from being granted as the appellant is not a person who bore the expense of last sickness or burial.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings of his service-connected Crohn's disease, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for androgenic alopecia (claimed as hair loss) caused by a non-service connected Circle of Willis condition, but denied the claim based on the Veteran's previous diagnosis of male pattern baldness.

The Veteran's hemifacial spasm, right side of face disability is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity and determine if it should be rated under both DC 8207 (paralysis) and DC 8103 (tics).

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's bilateral hip and thigh disabilities due to a lack of recent examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1805 and § 1815, finding that he did not meet the requisite criteria for eligibility due to lack of a diagnosis of spina bifida or his mother being a Vietnam veteran.

The Veteran's facial pain is attributed to her service-connected fibromyalgia and not to trigeminal neuralgia of the jaw. Therefore, the claim for service connection for facial pain, including trigeminal neuralgia of the jaw, is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for cataracts and remanded the issues of increased ratings for left eye tear duct dysfunction, basal cell carcinoma with actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease, and TDIU prior to September 30, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's acute myelogenous leukemia and his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents and solvent chemicals (specifically benzene).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability, diagnosed as moderate shortness of breath and dyspnea on exertion, as secondary to his service-connected severe hypertensive cardiomyopathy and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development regarding the appellant's request for an upgrade of his character of discharge from service. The AOJ must clarify if the appellant has recently filed for this upgrade and contact the Department of the Navy Board for Correction of Naval Records to determine any applications submitted in the 1980s.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is granted, and he is also granted an initial rating of 30 percent for his bilateral pes planus. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been raised.

The Veteran's death was due to adenocarcinoma of the tonsil, which is not a disease for which presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents is warranted. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine if there is any relationship between the Veteran’s adenocarcinoma and presumed in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Board found that the effective dates for removing ex-spouse A.C. and adding current spouse I.B. were correct, denying a request for earlier effective dates.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for missing teeth, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), finding that there was no evidence of in-service trauma or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service after September 10, 2001 qualifies for Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) educational assistance benefits.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice provided regarding how to establish C. as the Veteran's dependent child for VA purposes, specifically whether it is an adopted or illegitimate child.