Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial claim for a disability rating of 60 percent for systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lupus erythematosus prior to January 31, 2014 was granted. For the entire appeal period, his service-connected lupus symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's daughter, R.M.R., is seeking recognition as the helpless child of the Veteran due to her permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching 18 years old. The VA has ordered that her SSA disability benefits records be obtained and reviewed.

The Veteran's surviving spouse remarried in 2010 and divorced by October 2010, which disqualifies her from receiving VA death pension benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer, which was previously denied in 2006 and reopened due to new evidence, is granted. The cause of the Veteran’s death, listed as metastatic colon cancer, is also found to be related to his service-connected condition.

The Board found that the overpayment of DIC benefits was due to sole administrative error by VA, and thus granted the appellant's appeal.

The Board grants an effective date of August 27, 2014 for Chapter 35 benefits on behalf of the appellant. The decision is based on the fact that the appellant's initial application was received by VA more than one year after the establishment of basic eligibility in 2002.

The Veteran's metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and its residuals, including difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, dry mouth, and loss of taste, are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during her Air Force Reserves service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected right hand disability is being remanded due to the need for new VA examination and retrieval of Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation and microwave radiation during service, as well as his exposure to Agent Blue. The Veteran needs further medical opinions on these issues.

The Veteran's IHD was granted a 30 percent evaluation effective March 29, 2013. Prior to this date, the condition did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to support a link between any diagnosed conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for testalgia was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a rating higher than the current assigned disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for onychomycosis and increased ratings for fractures of his metacarpals due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during service and its potential connection to his CMML. A medical opinion is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's CMML and his in-service exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased evaluations of traumatic neuritis secondary to spinal anesthesia and status post-scrotal exploration.

The Board has remanded the issues of whether service connection for peripheral arterial disease should be severed from the Veteran's record due to lack of a clear and unmistakable error in initial grant of service connection.

The VA terminated the appellant's VA death pension benefits effective January 1, 2016 due to insufficient medical expense information provided for calendar year 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's glioblastoma, finding that it was caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The cause of death is also granted as the glioblastoma contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Appellant can be recognized as the lawful surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA death benefits.

The Board denied service connection for left foot and respiratory disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.