Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including ulcerative colitis and rectal bleeding, as well as an ITP disability, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's right tibia fracture and bilateral foot stress fractures are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted.

The Board has determined that the matter is not ripe for appellate review due to procedural issues and remands it back to the RO for compliance with contested claims procedures, including providing the Veteran with a copy of the content of the January 2020 SOC and February 2020 substantive appeal. The RO should also obtain updated information regarding the status of the Veteran's incarceration and the appellant’s income and expenses.

The Board has remanded the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to concerns about the adequacy of the VA medical opinion provided in March 2016, and the need for additional records and an updated examination.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected status post gunshot wound, left leg, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and testing for right tibia and fibula fracture residuals. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it could impact the evaluation of the fractures.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's service during the USS Chicago deployment and his esophageal cancer. The issues include determining if the cause of death was related to service, whether the Veteran served within Vietnam's territorial sea in 1966, and the etiology of the esophageal cancer.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for varicose veins of both legs and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA records, authorization for private treatment review, and an examination.

The Veteran's cutaneous T-cell lymphoma was not found to meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating prior to April 2, 2019. From April 2, 2019, a 10 percent rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neurological disabilities of both upper extremities due to insufficient examination findings and lack of a diagnosis. The Veteran is required to undergo further VA examinations to determine if he has any diagnosed disorders in his right or left upper extremities, and whether these conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) disorder, which is believed to be related to in-service exposure to turbine engine fumes. The examiner must determine if there is at least a 50% probability that the onset of the Veteran’s lupus is related to his reported in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, including his assertions of exposure to hazardous chemicals during service.

The Veteran's spouse was awarded an additional $1,100 in service-connected burial benefits, bringing the total to the maximum allowable amount of $2,000 for a non-Federal employee.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an umbilical hernia and a skin disorder (basal cell cancer) due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's credible statements regarding in-service injuries.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claim of entitlement to a total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board finds the preponderance of the evidence against his claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for median nerve damage and loss of grip strength due to fracture of radius and ulna.

The appeal is dismissed because the Veteran died and there are no longer any benefits to apportion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck condition, finding that there is no causal relationship between his current neck disability and his active duty service.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for malignant neoplasms of the stomach or lungs and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.