Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dependency benefits due to his spouse, finding that he did not notify VA of her existence within one year after their marriage in October 2014.

The appellant's claim for additional accrued benefits is denied as the expenses he seeks to recoup were certified by his mother (the Veteran's surviving spouse) and served as the basis for her award of pension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for lung disease, finding that there is no competent medical evidence showing a link between his current disability and exposure to asbestos or jet fuel in service. The Veteran's lay statements were considered less probative than the VA opinions.

The Veteran died in June 2017 and the appellant applied for nonservice-connected burial benefits. The claim is denied as there was no service connection at the time of death, and the criteria for payment of such benefits are not met.

The Veteran's spouse was not recognized as his surviving spouse for VA death benefits because they were not legally married for at least one year prior to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for a heart murmur, breast cancer, and vision disorder. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the medical evidence presented.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective May 1, 2000. The VA also granted Chapter 35 DEA benefits eligibility based on the TDIU award.

The Board has determined that an addendum medical opinion is needed to address the relationship between the Veteran's glioblastoma multiforme and his exposure to burn pits during military service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's daughter is not recognized as a surviving child for the purpose of establishing eligibility for DIC benefits, and her claim for accrued benefits is denied due to untimeliness.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a liver disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current eye disability is secondary to his service-connected sinusitis.

The Board is remanding the case to reconsider the propriety of terminating death pension benefits from November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2016. The decision also notes that a supplemental statement of the case should be issued due to new evidence received after the initial appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether any of the Veteran's eye disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear disorder was denied, while his claim for left ear hyperacusis was granted. The cases of left knee iliotibial band syndrome and right foot plantar fasciitis were remanded.

The Veteran's unauthorized ambulance transportation service from MMR on December 10, 2017 is granted as payment or reimbursement is warranted due to the Veteran's Medicare Part A coverage fully extinguishing his underlying inpatient hospital costs.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was not incurred in or the result of active service, including as the result of exposure to water at Camp Lejeune. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's left little finger disability is characterized by numbness, stiffness, and pain. However, there is no ankylosis or equivalent to amputation, so a compensable rating cannot be granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left arm disability and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a skin disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's left fibula fracture is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity.

The Veteran's appeal regarding their competency to handle disbursement of VA funds has been dismissed as the RO has already restored their competency in a previous decision.