Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for metastatic cancer and cause of death due to pancreatic cancer, as they are inextricably intertwined. The appellant must provide a VA opinion on whether the cancers are related to service exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for pancreatic cancer and thrombophlebitis, as well as the claim of cause of death. The remand requires obtaining additional opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions, particularly his exposure to burn pits during service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in an August 1995 rating decision, finding that there was no CUE and that the correct facts were not before VA or the statutory or regulatory provisions were incorrectly applied.

The Veteran's right lower leg neuroma was increased to a 10% rating effective January 16, 2015. The decision is based on the fact that an increase in disability relating to the Veteran’s right lower leg neuroma was first factually ascertainable within one year prior to his April 14, 2015 claim for increase.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the cause of death and service connection for acquired hepatitis C. The Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer disease with anemia is not considered a contributing factor to his death, but the issue of service connection for acquired hepatitis C remains pending.

The Board has not obtained the Veteran's private dental treatment records from Dr. S.W., and thus remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's conditions include singular plasmacytoma, multiple myoma, and synovitis, all of which are being evaluated in relation to his service and herbicide exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between in-service exposure to ionizing radiation and the Veteran's cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for uterine fibroids and urinary frequency and urgency, finding that these conditions are proximately due to the Veteran's in-service uterine fibroids.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating and an earlier effective date are being remanded due to outstanding medical records.

The Board has determined that the matter is not ripe for appellate review due to incomplete procedural steps. The case involves a simultaneously contested claim and must comply with special procedural regulations.

The Veteran's hepatocellular carcinoma is remanded for further examination and consideration due to conflicting evidence regarding its relation to his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral cataracts with non-exudative macular degeneration, finding that there is no evidence linking his current eye disability to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disorder and astigmatism, finding no current disability for either condition.

The Board has decided that the appellant's death certificate is missing and needs to be obtained from the appropriate agencies in the Philippines.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed right foot condition and left foot condition, as well as their relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected TMJ is remanded due to the need for a new examination under both old and current criteria. The issue of entitlement to TDIU, which is inextricably intertwined with the TMJ claim, is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of left femur fracture due to the Veteran's pre-existing condition that existed prior to his military service and did not increase during service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's dementia may be related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, but needs further clarification and evidence from a medical expert.

The Veteran's application for VRAP benefits was denied because she was not enrolled full-time during the specified term, despite meeting other eligibility requirements.