Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's medical expenses for non-VA treatment of squamous cell carcinoma from 2003 to 2010 were not authorized by VA and no VA facilities were feasibly available, thus denying payment or reimbursement.

The Board has denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for essential tremor and has remanded the case to consider entitlement to Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's death was caused by cancer of the head/neck, which may be presumed to have been related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. However, the remanded case requires a thorough review of the medical history and an opinion on whether the fatal cancer originated from the larynx or if it was metastatic.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and residuals of pneumonia, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims based on in-service events or exposure.

The Board denied an extraschedular evaluation for the Veteran's right long finger disability, finding that there was no evidence of marked interference with employment due to the locking up of the finger.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral nasal pterygium is rated at 10 percent and does not meet the percentage requirement for a schedular TDIU, nor has it been shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for spondylolysis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active service and not aggravated by it. The claim was reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Board has denied service connection for a meningioma tumor of the brain, finding that there is no in-service incurrence or link to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's private physician suggested possible causation but this opinion was deemed insufficient by the VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for right-breast adenocarcinoma, including as due to exposure to military fuels and/or herbicide agents. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information about the Veteran's employment prior to August 12, 2019. The Veteran needs to complete a VA Form 21-8940 or provide other relevant employment information.

The Veteran's appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of infection in the left heel was denied due to lack of actual causation, as the Board found that VA did not fail to properly diagnose and treat the condition. The loss of vision in the left eye is being remanded for further clarification on whether it resulted from carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a foot condition, including numbness. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of a foot disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for respiratory and leg disabilities due to inadequate prior examinations. The Veteran will need new VA opinions regarding his respiratory and leg conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an apportionment of his VA compensation benefits to cover their child's support, finding that any such apportionment would cause undue hardship on the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for left eye visual impairment is remanded due to conflicting findings in the previous VA examination and need for a new one.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic diarrhea is granted as the condition was incurred in service and continues to persist.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cold weather injuries of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding that there is no credible evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating exceeding 20 percent for left shoulder dislocation with loss of motion, and denied service connection for right hip arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected painful bladder syndrome with chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis is denied for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent from July 28, 2011.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.