Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the Veteran's lawful surviving spouse for VA death benefits, finding that she did not continuously live with the Veteran and held herself out as his wife. The appeal is granted only in part, recognizing her status as a surviving spouse for purposes of receiving DIC, death pension, and accrued benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his right shoulder condition is remanded due to the need for an updated examination.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected diverticulitis, but remanded the issue of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's arthritis of the neck is found to be due to an in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's epididymitis required continuous intensive management, which is necessary for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's respiratory condition, including bronchiectasis, is being remanded for further evaluation due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's back brace is being reviewed to determine if it qualifies for a clothing allowance. The claim will be remanded to gather more information about the use and necessity of the back brace.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder has rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was denied because he refused to undergo a VA examination without showing good cause.

The Veteran's bilateral foot pain is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his service treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his current condition and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to notify the Veteran of his scheduled VA examination, and another examination is needed to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for atypical carcinoid tumor, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, specifically reactive airway disease, is remanded due to the need for further medical examination and development of her claims file.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection issues were decided.

The Veteran's lung disability claim is remanded due to the lack of adequate nexus opinion and relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence that suggests a possible connection between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his cause of death, which was not previously considered. The claim will be reconsidered with this new information.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's deep vein thrombosis is related to his service or secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of bilateral salpingectomy, other than a scar, finding no current disability other than a scar.

The Veteran's daughter is not eligible for Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits because she was over the age of 25 when her father became permanently and totally disabled.

The Veteran's right and left foot cold injury residuals were denied initial ratings higher than the currently assigned 30 percent for the entire appeal period.,The Veteran's Raynaud’s syndrome was also denied an initial rating higher than the currently assigned 10 percent.