Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's Strongyloides infection and Barrett's disease are granted as service connected, with the Board finding that both conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board finds that clarification is needed as to whether the SSA benefits received by the Veteran's spouse were SSI (not countable income), or another type of countable SSA benefits. The matter is therefore remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected benign prostate enlargement is currently rated at 10 percent prior to June 2, 2014 and at 20 percent on and after that date. The Board has found the effective dates for these ratings are not earlier than their respective effective dates.

The Board found the debt in the amount of $605.90 for books and $6,206.41 for tuition and fees was valid due to the Veteran's unsatisfactory conduct at his vocational training facility.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his back and neck injuries, as well as incomplete VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file for a decision regarding service connection for soft tissue sarcoma as a result of Agent Orange exposure. A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed skin conditions, including soft tissue sarcoma.

The Veteran's claim for VA nonservice-connected disability pension was denied as he has not submitted sufficient information verifying his income and medical expenses.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for scoliosis and remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that both issues related to the Veteran's former spouse, A.M., need further review and will be remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

Service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is granted, effective June 1, 2016. DIC based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death is also granted.

The Board denied service connection for a sensory or neurological disability of the left lower extremity, finding no current disability. The claim for TDIU prior to May 9, 2017 is remanded due to non-compliance with remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for an extended period of eligibility in which to receive educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill was denied as there is no evidence showing a physical or mental disability prevented him from initiating or completing his chosen program of education.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervicofacial actinomycosis with diffuse vascular disease is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU for the period between January 1, 1961 to November 28, 1990 due to his service-connected duodenal ulcer with hiatal hernia causing him to be unable to follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred in connection with his treatment at non-VA facilities is denied as the treatments were previously scheduled appointments and no emergency condition was present.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues related to the creation of an overpayment and the waiver of recovery, including a request for an audit.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from the Gainesville and Lake City VAMCs.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance. The Court has remanded the case to the Board for further consideration, requiring additional evidence and an examination.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the Board found that his failure to thrive was not due to his PTSD. The cause of death was attributed to liver cancer with metastasis to pancreas.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to adjudicate the claim as one to reopen the previously denied claim for burial benefits. The appellant must provide additional information and/or evidence, and VA should attempt to obtain any such records.