Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board denied an earlier effective date for DIC benefits, finding that the claim was not received within one year of the Veteran's death and that there is no legal basis for assignment of an earlier effective date.

The Board found that the overpayment of $3,928.44 for Chapter 33 education benefits was properly created due to mitigating circumstances and denied the appeal.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a pancreatic neoplasm and malignant carcinoma due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran's spouse. The claim is also granted for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including a radiation dose assessment and an opinion from VA on whether in-service ionizing radiation exposure caused or contributed to the Veteran's gallbladder disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemochromatosis is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if any liver disability, including hemochromatosis, was present at birth and whether it is related to active service or complaints and treatment during service.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer is granted as service connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The cause of death, metastatic esophageal cancer, is also considered service-connected.

The appellant's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate for death pension benefits with aid and attendance, thus denying her claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development of evidence and confusion regarding the benefits being sought.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatic steatosis, specifically related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an injury to the right upper lip due to inadequate examination and lack of medical records.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the left-hand disability, as there is evidence of current symptoms and in-service complaints. The Veteran's service records indicate issues with gripping in his left wrist, puncture injuries, and arthritis in his hands during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, right retromolar trigone and right palate. The VA needs to obtain updated treatment records and provide a new opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The Veteran's seasonal allergies do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as they do not result in greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides, complete obstruction on one side, or polyps.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot condition and bilateral hammertoes is reopened, but the case is remanded due to lack of VA treatment records prior to his last period of active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for an adequate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further development regarding the relationship between the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx and his military service, including herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's exotropia, which affects both eyes and is manifested by constant diplopia limited to central 20 degrees without the ability to be remediated by corrective lenses, has been granted a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for left eye iridocyclitis because no new and material evidence was submitted, and the existing evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's reimbursement for medical expenses incurred at Shands Hospital due to burn injuries is granted as the treatment was deemed necessary and no other VA facility was feasibly available.