Other conditions decisions — 2019

The VA reduced the Veteran's disability compensation benefits due to his receipt of military drill pay for 36 days in fiscal year 2016, resulting in a debt of $4211.62.

The Appellant's remarriage after the Veteran's death bars her from eligibility for VA death pension benefits as a surviving spouse.

The Board finds the record unclear regarding whether the Veteran's claimed symptoms are due to neck or back pain. The Veteran is already service connected for a back disability, but may have a neck disability that could relate to his complaints of upper back pain. A VA examination is needed to clarify if the Veteran has a current diagnosed neck condition and its relationship to service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim to reopen his chest disability (claimed as nerve damage/muscles or swollen chest muscles) should be remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records not being associated with the claims file.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and a need for additional examination.

The Board has found that further development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) records, which may be relevant to his TDIU claim. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's eligibility for free VA healthcare in 2016 was changed from copay-exempt to copay-required due to his income exceeding the means test threshold. The appeal is denied as the change in eligibility category was proper.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development regarding the Veteran's income reported in his tax return and any supporting documents.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left side head injury and remanded the issue of service connection for a left eye disability.

The Veteran's left lower leg lymphedema has been rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it more nearly approximates the criteria for a 20 percent rating. The case is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule an examination.

The Veteran's medical expenses incurred on July 10, 2014 at Florida Clinical Practice Associates (FCPA) were authorized by VA and thus the claim for reimbursement is granted.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence showing a causal relationship between his active military service and the fatal disease listed on his death certificate.

The appellant is seeking nonservice-connected burial benefits for her deceased husband. The VA denied the claim, and the Board has decided to remand it due to incomplete records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for higher Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial 10 percent rating for his right thumb condition is granted. The issue of service connection for a right-hand condition is remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for ear infection, ostitis externa, and fungal condition as secondary to his service-connected cholesteatoma. However, the claim for service connection for nausea is denied.

The Veteran's prostatitis disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has determined that a rating of at least 20 percent is warranted, but the claim must be remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected prostatitis.

The Veteran's death is not covered by Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension, or Accrued Benefits because the appellant was not his surviving spouse at the time of his death.

The Veteran's appeal for educational benefits under Chapter 30 and Chapter 32 was denied as she did not meet the eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of continuous active duty service after June 30, 1985 or being discharged due to a service-connected disability.