Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right arm and lower extremity disorders secondary to his cervical spine disability have been denied. His depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, NOS has been granted a 50% rating prior to January 12, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for insomnia, finding that the Veteran's fear-based experiences during his active duty in Vietnam are at least as likely as not related to his current insomnia.

The Board found that the overpayment of educational assistance benefits under the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill was valid and denied the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right scaphoid fracture, currently rated at 10 percent, has been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for limitation of forearm pronation and supination associated with his right scaphoid fracture is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA claims are denied as there is no legal basis for these benefits prior to September 25, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for multiple myeloma and cryoglobulinemia, finding no evidence of a current diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's means test eligibility category for VA healthcare services changed from exempt to copay required due to income in 2016, and this decision is being remanded for further action.

The Board has decided that the change to the Veteran's copay means test eligibility category from exempt to prescription copay required for income year 2016 was proper. However, due to missing or unavailable documentation related to the Veteran's income and medical expenses, the case is being remanded for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for restoration of special monthly pension benefits at the aid and attendance rate due to his income exceeding the maximum allowable amount.

The Veteran's surviving spouse died in August 2015, and the appellant was paid $10,627.32 for burial expenses. The appellant is not entitled to accrued benefits as she did not meet the legal requirements.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for right otitis media and perforated eardrum, increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 for right ear punctured ear drum and otitis, compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 for residuals of vascular surgeries of the bilateral lower extremities, and TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for dizziness before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Appellant's net worth and its impact on her eligibility for death pension benefits. The VA needs to gather updated documentation from the Appellant, including details of assets held in a trust, and prepare an updated Corpus of Estate Determination Form (VA Form 21-5427).

The Board denied the Appellant's request for an earlier effective date for her survivor's pension benefits, finding that she did not have a valid claim prior to May 23, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the Board's August 2018 remand is vacated.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear dates of service and insufficient development regarding the Veteran's claims for residuals of a stroke or TIA. The case will be referred back for further examination and consideration of all theories of entitlement, including exposure to ionizing radiation, herbicide agents, and contaminated water.

The Veteran's request for payment or reimbursement of medical services received at The Villages Regional Hospital on May 9, 2014 is being remanded due to the need to associate records from a previously allowed claim and clarify whether the Veteran wishes to appear at a Board hearing.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Non-Hodgkins lymphoma due to herbicide exposure is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for an adequate evaluation of his liver transplant condition, particularly regarding symptoms preventing him from driving.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left pinky finger disability, finding no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence linking any past injury to his current condition.