Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear information about the Veteran's employment status and income, as well as new evidence that needs to be considered.

The Veteran's initial claim for left tonsillar cancer with positive lymph nodes, status post dissection, was denied as his treatment was completed more than six months prior to the date of the claim. The same applies to his secondary service-connected lymph node cancer.,For the period on appeal, the Veteran’s papilloma of the vocal cords, xerostomia, left side neck scar, and hypothyroidism were all denied as they did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence added to the record since the May 2017 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of an overpayment of VA compensation benefits, finding that his delay in notifying VA of his divorce contributed to continued payment for several months.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting scoliosis was aggravated in service, and if so, whether it is related to his current back condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear findings regarding the Veteran's voiding interval and need for complete emptying within a 10-15 minute period. Additional development is required.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected pilonidal cyst and denied his claim for a temporary total evaluation based on surgery performed prior to when service connection was established.

An initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, is granted for right thumb tendonitis from December 9, 2008 to January 26, 2010.,From March 1, 2010 onwards, a 10 percent rating is granted for favorable ankylosis of the right thumb.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a bladder condition was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board has determined that the current bladder disability is related to his in-service treatment, leading to the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a refund of contributions made to the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is denied as there is no evidence of an existing VEAP account.

The Veteran's service connection claim for periodontal disease is denied as there was no in-service trauma to his mouth, and the service treatment records do not reflect any dental or facial trauma.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating for service-connected epididymitis (testicle disorder) is denied as no correspondence was received from the Veteran between April 2007 and November 2009 that would entitle him to such an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's adopted child, S.S., was not recognized as a dependent for DIC benefits because the adoption process did not meet all criteria set by VA regulations.

The Board denied service connection for a lymph node disorder, finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of this condition and there is no evidence of a chronic lymphatic disorder during or recent to the filing of the claim.

The Veteran was not due any accrued benefits at his death, as he had already been receiving pension benefits. The Board denied the claim for accrued benefits.

The Veteran's service did not meet the eligibility criteria for burial in a VA national cemetery due to insufficient active duty and lack of service-connected disabilities.

The appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was dismissed because the claimant passed away during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rate of nonservice-connected pension benefits for the calendar year 2010, finding that the claim was outside the time limit to submit a claim. The issue is remanded for further action regarding special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's iritis claim is being remanded due to non-compliance with the previous remand instructions. Additional development, including obtaining a Goldmann chart from an August 2017 VA eye examination and considering all applicable rating criteria, is required.

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.