Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye cataract and bilateral dry eye syndrome, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient analysis and failure to consider the Veteran's educational and work history in light of his 28 years of service. The RO must obtain all relevant personnel records.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 16, 2008 for the award of a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability made him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment at least one year prior to his April 16, 2009 claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for mild bronchiectasis of both lung bases and in the right upper lobe, to include as due to exposure to asbestos and ionizing radiation. The evidence did not support a finding that the condition was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's surviving spouse claim is denied as the appellant did not provide sufficient evidence to establish a marriage deemed valid.

The Board has determined that the matter is not ripe for appellate review due to procedural issues, and it is remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and DIC benefits due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left leg disorders are being remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death due to lack of evidence showing that his HIV began during active service or was otherwise related to an in-service event, injury, or disease.,The appellant's application for burial benefits was also denied as she did not meet the eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to new evidence received by VA. The AOJ must readjudicate the claim, considering all pertinent evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's claimed right hand and left hand disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The appeal for service connection for arthritis in the fingers of the left hand is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death, and the case is now closed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether any of the Veteran's contended complications are actually complications of his left ear otitis media and externa. The AOJ must also analyze if an extraschedular rating is needed.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for gout of the left and right great toes have been denied.,For the period prior to July 31, 2017, the Veteran's initial disability rating for gout of the left knee has been granted at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left hand disability is being remanded due to the need for further development and evidence.

The Board has determined that a timely substantive appeal was filed to the March 2012 Statement of the Case regarding the appellant's claim for an apportionment of the Veteran’s VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current heart disability, specifically his right bundle branch block. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine if he currently suffers from a heart disability and whether it is related to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant became permanently incapable of self-support prior to age 18, based on evidence showing significant developmental and intellectual issues from childhood.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes, based on clear and convincing evidence of a common-law marriage prior to their official marriage in October 2014.