Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA treatment records and an incomplete request for private medical records from Dr. D.G.

The appeal is remanded due to the lack of fulfillment of the Board's previous directives for an audit of completed compensation payments and payment statuses since October 1998.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for residuals of Cryptococcus neoformans infection affecting the central nervous system prior to September 10, 2012 was denied. A 30 percent rating is granted from September 10, 2012 through January 14, 2016 and a 50 percent rating is granted beginning January 14, 2016.

The Veteran's left thumb disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found no evidence of a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other criteria.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, New York from February 10 to February 12, 2014 was timely filed by the VA. The Board found that the Veteran submitted his claim within 90 days after receiving treatment and thus decided in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current left shoulder disability, including rotator cuff and scapula, is related to service.

The Board has determined that the matter is not ripe for appellate review due to procedural issues and remands are necessary to ensure full compliance with contested claims procedures, verify SSA benefits income, request child support records, and obtain D.D.'s birth certificate.

The Board previously remanded the case to determine if an overpayment of nonservice-connected pension benefits was validly created. The decision is now remanded for further action, including recalculating the debt and issuing a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for AML and MDS due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, finding that entitlement did not arise until March 14, 2017 when AML and MDS were added to the list of presumptive conditions associated with Camp Lejeune. The Board concluded that direct service connection was not warranted.

The Veteran's chronic respiratory disability, not attributable to a known clinical diagnosis, has manifested to a compensable degree after his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operation. The Board finds service connection for this condition is warranted under the presumptive provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board has granted service connection for neck hypersensitivity cough syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his exposure to gas, fumes, and chemicals during military deployments in Iraq.

The Veteran's death was not covered for nonservice-connected burial benefits because the application was filed more than two years after his burial.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow strain and right arm and elbow condition due to jump injury, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding scoliosis post strain, contracture of the right little finger, distal interphalangeal joint, and service connection for bilateral wrist sprains due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with the terms of the joint motion for partial remand, vacating the earlier effective date of June 1, 2013, and requiring the Veteran to provide updated information regarding his work history.

The Board has granted service connection for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his military service is at least as likely as not related to his condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical examinations and further development is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain and arthritis, as well as sterilization, due to microwave radiation exposure. The claims are being returned for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by exposure to occupational hazards such as fuel aboard his ship during service.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits.