Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information about the appellant's income and medical expenses, which are necessary for calculating DIC benefits. The appellant is asked to provide this information.

The Board denied service connection for throat cancer, finding no evidence linking the Veteran's current condition to his exposure to cleaning solvents in service. The Veteran's cancer is believed to be due to a long history of tobacco use.

The Veteran's leukemia, which significantly contributed to his death, is being remanded for further review due to conflicting diagnoses and the need for additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a refund of contributions made to the VEAP program is remanded due to conflicting information regarding whether he contributed. The VA needs to confirm this with financial documentation.

The Veteran had a current disability of ALS at the time of his death, and the evidence supports service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his glioblastoma multiforme is related to his active duty service. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding this relationship.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating issues related to various conditions, including major recurrent depressive episode. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for major recurrent depressive episode prior to February 27, 2018, was granted with a 70% disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left tibia and fibula fracture residuals was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation, as there is no evidence of nonunion of, with loose motion, requiring a brace.

The Veteran's service connection claim for endometriosis is granted, and the rating for her residuals of diverticulitis status post hemicolectomy with stomach and pelvic adhesions is remanded.

The appeal for service connection for peripheral artery disease of the lower extremities, as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sinus disorder may be related to his active service, including exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange. However, the medical opinion provided is insufficient and a remand is necessary for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's service qualifies him for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits, and his appeal is granted.

The appellant's claim for accrued benefits was denied because she is not a spouse or dependent parent, and the Veteran's spouse had already been awarded DIC benefits. The appellant did provide care to her father prior to his death.

The Veteran's eligibility for a transfer of educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is being remanded due to insufficient evidence, including missing service personnel records and application documents.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for polycythemia vera, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange, is granted. The Board finds that the evidence at least raises a reasonable possibility of establishing service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left thigh muscle atrophy and left leg injury, finding that there was no evidence of a qualifying period of active military service where such injuries could have occurred.

The Veteran's daughter is not eligible for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits because she was over the age of 26 when her basic eligibility for DEA benefits was established.

The Board has granted service connection for pulmonary fibrosis and the cause of death due to pulmonary fibrosis. The decision is based on conflicting medical opinions, with the Veteran's treating pulmonologist supporting a relationship between asbestos exposure in service and his current condition.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for left foot and stomach disorders due to incomplete verification of periods of active duty, training, and National Guard service. The claimant's periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA need to be verified, as well as any relevant medical records.

The Board has decided the validity of the overpayment and found it to be valid. However, due to a consistent claim for waiver of recovery, the case is being remanded to address this issue.