Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in obtaining and considering certain records, including Reserve service records. The Veteran's cone dystrophy is being reviewed again with a focus on periods of active duty service and reserve service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukemia and essential thrombocythemia is granted, but the case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to address whether there is a medical nexus between an in-service incurrence (to include herbicide agent exposure and toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune) and current diagnoses of leukemia and essential thrombocythemia.

The Veteran's request for an extension of his Chapter 30 education benefits was denied as he did not choose a start date within the allowed period and after the initial grant in June 2012. The Board found that there is no legal basis to grant the requested benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diverticulitis, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.

The Veteran's left hip disability is rated at 20 percent for abduction, 10 percent for extension prior to December 1, 2015 and from June 15, 2015 to November 30, 2015, and 40 percent for flexion. The Veteran's right knee disability is not rated higher than 10 percent. His bilateral hearing loss is also rated at 10 percent. A TDIU rating was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer due to a lack of available SSA records. The issue is now before the AOJ, and a VA examination will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's colon cancer is secondary to his service-connected myasthenia gravis.

The Veteran's service did not meet the requirements for wartime service, and therefore he is denied eligibility for nonservice-connected pension.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory condition, finding that the Veteran's current lung disease is not causally or etiologically related to his service, including his history of pneumonia. The Board noted there was no evidence of chronic pneumonia during service and no onset within one year post-service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's genital herpes likely began during her military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for ITP with splenectomy as due to herbicide exposure is reopened, and the appeal is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case as he is deceased.

The Veteran's overpayment of VA improved pension benefits is waived due to financial hardship, as the debt would cause undue financial hardship for him and his spouse.

The Board has remanded the case for obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records, as the Veteran applied for these benefits and they are relevant to his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a disability of the pancreas and gallbladder, as well as her claim for an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. The VA is instructed to obtain any additional evidence from the Veteran and arrange for a new VA examination or medical opinion to address the etiology of any current disabilities involving the pancreas and/or gallbladder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of teeth, attributing it to non-service-connected causes and lack of a qualifying dental disability.

The appellant's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR), thus denying her entitlement to nonservice-connected survivor’s pension benefits.

The Board denied an increased rating for deviated septum and declined to grant extraschedular consideration, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are already contemplated by the current 10% disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether a left arm disorder is related to service-connected cervical strain. The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection needs further clarification and evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Board found that the overpayment of $1,416.66 for education benefits under Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) was properly created and denied the appeal.