Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is related to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation from nuclear tipped warheads, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's thoracic spine compression, finding that his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating of 40 percent. The evidence showed limited forward flexion to 56 degrees with no additional loss of function on flare-ups.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for the service-connected post-nasal septoplasty disability, finding that there was no evidence of more than minimal obstruction of nasal passages. The decision also noted that an extraschedular rating is not warranted due to lack of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Veteran's appeal for recognition of R.C. as the helpless child of the Veteran on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining the age of 18 was denied due to lack of supporting documentation and inconsistent information regarding parentage.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's hypertensive vascular disease has been rated at 10 percent since December 7, 1996. The Board found that the Veteran's systolic and diastolic blood pressures have not consistently met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's exposure to radiation during service and its potential impact on his myelodysplastic syndrome, which is claimed as a cause of death.

The Board has ordered the AOJ to reconstruct and upload all documentation related to the appeal for beneficiary travel benefits, as the current file is missing relevant records.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left leg and/or foot disorder, including foot drop and swelling, caused by VA treatment during the Veteran's March 2012 total knee replacement surgery.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's neurological disorders, specifically peripheral neuropathy, residuals of chemical brain injury, and moderate cerebral/cerebellar atrophy. The VA must obtain an addendum opinion from a qualified clinician to address the nature and etiology of these conditions in relation to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a respiratory condition was dismissed due to their death before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected onychomycosis of the bilateral feet required a temporary total evaluation for one month following his September 27, 2012 surgery.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current foot disability is related to his in-service cold weather exposure. A new VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran currently has a disability and, if so, whether it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board found that the creation of an overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $5,946.00 was valid and denied the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for essential tremors of both hands, finding that the disability was at worst mild in each hand with very limited impact on functioning.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon unemployability (TDIU) as there is no evidence showing he is unemployed or marginally employed due to service-connected disabilities.