Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records, and a VA examination is needed to determine if there are any current hand disabilities related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a blood disorder and its residuals of a splenectomy were denied as there was no probative medical evidence linking the conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for spasmodic dysphonia, also claimed as voice loss, finding that the Veteran's disability is at least as likely as not related to his service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's left and right foot hallux valgus with hammertoes were granted increased ratings of 30 percent effective April 1, 2013.,Prior to April 1, 2013, the Veteran's left and right foot disabilities did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disability and sinus condition have been denied. The claim for an increased rating for the lumbar spine has also been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of residuals of pancreatitis, status post pancreatico-duodenectomy and gallbladder removal due to lack of evidence linking his condition to military service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including as due to in-service exposure to herbicides, is denied because there is no evidence of a causal connection between the condition and his active service.

The Veteran's death was not service connected, and the appellant did not provide evidence of a pending claim for VA compensation or pension benefits. The Veteran died at a private hospice facility and had no next of kin to claim the burial expenses. Therefore, the claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and TDIU due to conflicting opinions on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and for burial benefits greater than $1,034.00 due to their inextricably intertwined nature with the cause of death claim.

The Veteran's claim for additional VA pension benefits from January 30, 2016 to January 31, 2017 was denied because the medical expenses were properly calculated and there is no evidence of attendant care fees prior to August 26, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete information about the Veteran's in-service sun exposure and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's death did not qualify for enhanced DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1311(a)(2) because the appellant was not married to the Veteran for a continuous period of at least eight years immediately preceding his death.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic gastroenteritis is rated at a 20 percent since March 13, 2012. The condition was manifested by periodic abdomen pain, bloating and cramping, occasional diarrhea, or characteristic circulatory symptoms of Postgastrectomy syndrome.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, manifested by marked limitation of motion, is granted a 20 percent rating from March 11, 2014.

The Veteran's accrued benefits claim is denied as the appellant did not file her initial claim within one year of his death. The appeal for aid and attendance or housebound benefits is remanded due to unclear documentation regarding unreimbursed medical expenses.

The Board has ordered remand for further development regarding the calculation of the debt amount and whether a waiver of recovery is warranted. The AOJ must provide detailed explanations and audit information to ensure accuracy.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected urticaria, finding that there were no debilitating episodes requiring hospitalization or emergency room visits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hairy cell leukemia and his military service, specifically his reported exposure to toxic chemicals during active duty.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA death pension benefits because her income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) for a surviving spouse with no dependents.