Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bronchiectasis was dismissed due to his death, as the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claim at this time.

The Veteran's neurogenic bladder was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. Continuity of symptomatology is not established, and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's net worth is not excessive for receiving nonservice-connected pension benefits, and thus the appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left hip arthroplasty is granted, and the claim for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) from March 2, 2016 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination in February 2018, which did not address whether the Veteran's current anemia is related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's left hip disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease with limitation of motion in flexion, is rated at 10 percent prior to May 12, 2014. A separate 10 percent rating for limitation of extension of the left hip is granted.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and there is no evidence linking his hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease to service or his presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's groin injury during service resulted in current residuals including pain, urogenital problems, and testicular issues. The Board found that the in-service injury contributed to his current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for recognition of his spouse, R.R., as a dependent for additional dependency compensation due to insufficient evidence showing a common-law marriage prior to January 1, 1997.

The Veteran's cause of death, carcinoma of the prostate, is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's peripheral nerve injury to the right hand is currently rated as 10 percent disabling due to mild incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve. The Board found no evidence warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29 is dismissed because the AOJ has already granted him a convalescent rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30, which covers his case better.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right leg disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during active duty training (ACDUTRA). The appellant's statements suggest a potential relationship between his current leg disabilities and his military service, but additional medical examination and opinion are needed.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and his DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 was denied due to lack of legal merit.

The Veteran's cataracts have been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period, with visual acuity of at worst 20/40 bilaterally and no evidence of incapacitating episodes or loss of visual field. The Board denied a compensable rating for cataracts.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions regarding the cause of death and the relationship between service-connected diabetes and the Veteran's liver cancer.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's ovarian cancer is related to her military service or if it was caused by her service-connected diabetes mellitus. The VA needs to gather more information and conduct further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's stomach disorder, including ulcers and duodenitis, is not service-connected as there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has granted the claim for a Government-furnished headstone or marker because the decedent's grave is unmarked.