Other conditions decisions — 2020

Your service connection claims for a hysterectomy and loss of use of a creative organ have been granted in your favor, but the Board has now dismissed these claims because they are no longer relevant as the benefits you sought are already effective.

The Veteran's pancreatic cancer did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise related to service, including claimed in-service exposure to ionizing radiation or herbicide agents. Service connection for the cause of death was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for dysthymic disorder prior to September 2, 2016, and an earlier effective date for SMC at the housebound rate was denied. The Board found that there were no symptoms warranting a higher rating or TDIU based solely on dysthymic disorder before September 2, 2016.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of HIV, finding that there is no evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to the condition and concluding that the appellant's HIV was not incurred during his periods of active duty for training.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's respiratory/pulmonary symptoms, including chronic cough, are related to his service-connected IBS or any in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's TMJ dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for injuries to the pharynx associated with residuals of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 6516 and 6521.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with service verification and a need for the appellant to apply for correction of his military record. The claim will be reconsidered after these steps are taken.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for her service-connected left hip disabilities due to inadequate examination reports and failure to comply with VA regulations.

The Board has granted DIC based on service connection for AML as the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his exposure to herbicide agents during service is related to his diagnosis.

The Veteran's left hand GSW residual is rated at 10 percent, but the Board found no evidence of limitation of motion or ankylosis that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right thigh GSW residual is also rated at 10 percent. The Board noted there was no evidence of loss of deep fascia, muscle substance, or normal firm resistance compared to the sound side, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and his condition did not manifest in service or within one year thereafter. The Board found that the Veteran had not been exposed to an herbicide agent, such as Agent Orange, during his active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of payment of additional compensation based on his dependent spouse, as the claim was received more than one year after he married in July 2012.

The Board has determined that the termination of nonservice-connected pension benefits from October 25, 2010 to April 16, 2011 was improper and restored those benefits. The termination beginning April 16, 2011 is upheld.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected post-operative residuals of left and right great toe bunionectomies, finding that the current schedular ratings adequately reflected her disability levels.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development and need for clarification on diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for further evaluation of his service-connected residuals of a circumcision due to phimosis and for completion of records. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation and SMC are being reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on housebound status or permanent need for regular aid and assistance has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified trauma or stressor-related disorder and alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis use disorders. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.