Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's stomach condition, including a gastric ulcer, finding that there is continuity of symptoms from service to the present.

The Board has determined that the appellant can be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of awarding DIC benefits, given their valid marriage and continuous cohabitation.

The Board has determined that the appellant's discharge from service was due to willful and persistent misconduct, which constitutes a bar to receiving VA benefits. The claim is granted in part as it reopens the issue of whether the character of the appellant’s service is a bar to receiving VA benefits.

The veteran's income from Social Security benefits exceeded the maximum annual pension rate, thus denying their claim for nonservice-connected pension.

The Veteran's widow is denied recognition as his surviving spouse for VA death benefits due to remarriage after the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim that VA acted improperly in recouping special separation benefits from his VA disability compensation, as it is required by law to do so.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the validity of a drill pay debt from FY 2015. The VA needs to provide an accounting of how the $3,543.65 debt was calculated and document the service dates used.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder is being remanded for a VA examination to assess its current severity.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left leg varicose veins may be related to his service-connected knee disability, but more evidence is needed for a determination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's immersion, frozen feet is at least as likely as not related to his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's tonsil and tongue cancers are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a duodenal ulcer because there was no evidence showing that his pre-existing duodenal ulcer was incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, finding that his current lung issues are more likely due to his smoking history than any in-service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the payment date prior to March 1, 2015 for a temporary 100 percent rating for right ankle surgery.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a left inguinal hernia, finding that the evidence received since the September 2002 rating decision is not new and material.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for urinary incontinence. The Veteran's claim will be further evaluated by the RO.

The Board has determined that the earliest date for an intent to file a claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is January 29, 2016. The Veteran's eligibility for this benefit was established on that date, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity numbness due to a lack of nexus opinion and need for clarification on her diagnosis.