Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's daughter, who is over 23 and has a history of hearing impairment, does not qualify for death pension benefits as she can support herself.

The Board has remanded the case for reconsideration of the apportionment issue and overpayment creation, as well as consideration of a waiver request. The Veteran needs to provide financial information for his daughter during periods of incarceration.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right hand disability, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not related to service or due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that the character of the appellant's service from June 1994 to November 1999 was a bar to receiving VA benefits. The AOJ must obtain all relevant records for this period, including those from his ANGPR/Reserve units.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address all relevant residuals, including those related to the Veteran's right hip disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a stroke, to include as secondary to service-connected hypertension, was denied. The Board found that the stroke was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.,The Veteran's need for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) due to his stroke was also denied.

The Veteran is challenging the creation of an overpayment. The Board has decided to remand this issue for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for Restless Leg Syndrome should be remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for pterygium but has remanded the issue of service connection for an eye disability other than keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pterygium.

The Board has granted a higher 100 percent rating for the Veteran's aortic aneurysm, which is currently 5 centimeters or larger in diameter and symptomatic.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed right hand disorder, including right hand pain. The Veteran's service treatment records show reported right hand pain in 2012, and post-service treatment records reflect continued reports of right hand pain and flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral pharynx (formerly right tonsil cancer) was granted, with the original denial being final. New evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim and establish direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied because his income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR).

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for left foot hallux valgus, status post-surgical repair is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of VA examination records.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits, which are based on a permanent, total service-connected disability. The Board has already remanded the issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU and is now instructing to readjudicate the Dependents’ Educational Assistance claim in light of any changes in the effective date for TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's arrhythmia and ICD are related to his service-connected PTSD. The VA is instructed to obtain an independent medical expert opinion on this matter.

The Veteran's son, R.C., was not eligible for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1815 because his mother did not serve in Vietnam and he does not have spina bifida.

The Veteran's hidradenitis is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left arm and hand numbness, finding no current disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to issues with the receipt of supplemental statements of the case. The main issue is whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the character of discharge claim.