Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's death from squamous cell carcinoma was not related to service, and there is no evidence linking the cancer to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The appeal for accrued benefits also failed as the Veteran had no pending claims or entitlements at the time of his death.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was reinstated as his VA Form 9 was received within the 60-day period after he was notified of the denial in the SOC. The Board found that the presumption of regularity had been rebutted due to an incorrect mailing address, and thus accepted the January 2017 VA Form 9 as timely.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, characterized by a fractured right os calcis and calcification of the Achilles tendon, is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU as her service-connected disabilities do not combine to result in a combined rating of 70% or more.

The Veteran's esophageal motility disorder in service is related to his current stomach problems, and the Board has ordered an additional VA examination to determine if there is a link between these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding whether his nerve disorders and stiff hand syndrome are caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's Peyronie's Disease is found to have started during his active duty service and is presumed due to a combat injury, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected severe stenosis of the middle cerebral artery system is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected splenectomy with residuals of immune deficiency is granted, and he is currently rated at the 20% level.

The VA reduced the Veteran's disability compensation benefits due to his concurrent receipt of military drill pay for 67 days during FY 2015, and this decision is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disability and sterility were denied as the examinations scheduled in conjunction with these claims were cancelled without good cause.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant asserts that the Veteran was exposed to chemicals during service and this exposure caused respiratory disorders, which led to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an examination to determine if the Veteran's current facial condition, including paresthesia, is related to his in-service dental extraction.

The Board denied service connection for proctitis and found that the reduction of the Veteran's evaluation for service-connected adjustment disorder from 70% to 50% was improper, restoring the 70% rating effective February 1, 2018. The Board also denied an earlier effective date for a 70% evaluation for service-connected adjustment disorder and TDIU due to unemployability.,The Veteran's entitlement to TDIU was granted as of February 21, 2013, based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder of the bilateral hands, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between the Veteran's current condition and his in-service exposure to yellowcake uranium. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have an undiagnosed illness or MUCMI characterized by symptoms of a skin disorder.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for death pension benefits based on helpless child status, finding that he was not permanently incapable of self-support prior to his 18th birthday.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for mesothelioma, finding that his exposure to asbestos during active duty service is related to his current condition.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for emergency treatment of a fractured tooth were granted as the condition was considered an emergent situation and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's lung condition, including chronic cough and pulmonary nodules, is remanded for further examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its interdependence with the service connection issue.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for acquired peripheral telangiectasis (a skin condition) is being remanded due to the need for a more current examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for her service-connected 5th and 7th cranial nerve disabilities have been denied. The evidence did not show that the disabilities were more than moderate in severity.