Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for pleural plaques prior to November 1, 2014 and granted a 10 percent rating from November 1, 2014 to June 28, 2016. From June 28, 2016 onward, the Board denied any rating in excess of 10 percent for pleural plaques.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left eye disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between her current condition and her military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected duodenitis and to determine if he requires a higher level of care due to only his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA records and an orthopedic examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities. The AOJ is also instructed to consider whether referral for extraschedular increased ratings is warranted.

The Veteran's tardive dyskinesia is characterized by tics and spasms to a moderate level, warranting an initial compensable rating of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's submission of an invoice for funeral expenses is considered an informal claim for accrued benefits. However, due to inconsistencies in the evidence and need for further development, the appeal is being remanded to determine if the Appellant qualifies as a proper accrued benefits claimant.

The Board found that the appellant's discharge was due to willful and persistent misconduct, not insanity. As a result, his service is considered dishonorable, which bars him from receiving VA benefits.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the case is now closed.

The Veteran's skin condition claim is being remanded due to the need for clarification on whether topical corticosteroid treatments constitute systemic therapy, as per Johnson v. Shulkin and Burton v. Wilkie.

The Veteran's stomach cancer is denied as there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service, including exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's initial rating for left thumb status/post ligament surgery was denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer as a result of Camp Lejeune contaminated water exposure, finding no relationship between his current condition and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for Crohn's Disease and atrial fibrillation due to new evidence being added to the record.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary vascular disease are not related to his in-service motor vehicle accident, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 as his right lower extremity disorder was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including a study on toluene exposure and its effects. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the conceded toluene exposure and the respiratory disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding whether the Veteran is considered competent to handle disbursement of funds.

The Board denied service connection for polycythemia vera, finding that the condition was not incurred or aggravated by active duty service and did not have its onset within one year of separation. The Board also found no evidence linking the condition to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has raised and remanded a claim for TDIU, but the RO denied it based on the schedular criteria. The Board now refers the case to the Director of Compensation Service for an extra-schedular determination.