Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for pre-existing bunion of the left foot and right foot, finding that these conditions were aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied the Appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and her recognition as the surviving spouse for reinstatement of death pension benefits. The decision on the latter was based on a finding that she had held herself out openly to another person after the Veteran's death, which prevented her from receiving benefits.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals from a right eye injury is granted. The claims for service connection for residuals from a right eye injury and a respiratory condition are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cold weather injuries of the bilateral lower extremities, including circulation problems and numbness of the feet. The evidence did not support a finding that these symptoms were related to in-service cold weather injuries.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of the Veteran's cause of death due to exposure to Agent Orange, finding that entitlement did not arise prior to October 13, 2011.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, as claims do not survive their deaths.

The Board has determined that the termination of the apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits to the appellant and the issue of entitlement to an increased apportionment amount are not ripe for appellate review due to procedural issues. The appeal is remanded to ensure proper notification and compliance with contested claims procedures.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected Scheuermann's disease is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination. The address provided by the Veteran was incorrect, and he failed to report for the scheduled examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye disability, finding that there is no competent and credible evidence of an eye disability in service or linking it to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI is found to cause partial loss of smell and taste, as well as hearing impairment in the right ear. The claim for a compensable rating for TBI prior to September 2, 2017 is denied.

The Board has granted special monthly pension for a surviving spouse based on the need for aid and attendance due to the appellant's conditions, resolving doubt in her favor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination and medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's right eye disability is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear income and healthcare expenses, specifically regarding home care provided by the appellant's daughter. The appellant needs to provide updated information about her income, net worth, and expenses.

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 the appellant's claim for VA survivor’s pension benefits as of February 1, 2017 due to excessive income. The appellant failed to provide requested evidence to establish entitlement.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 were not met.

The Board found that the termination of compensation benefits from January 21, 2014 to April 25, 2017 based on status as a fugitive felon was improper due to inadequate notice and failure to follow proper procedures. As a result, the Veteran's compensation benefits were restored for this period.

The Board has decided that the VA examiner's opinion is inadequate and requires a new examination to determine if the Veteran's genital herpes is related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with contested claims procedures and a need for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records from St. Luke's Hospital for the Veteran's spouse, D.W.L.