Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions and for further development. The Veteran's claims of service connection for a left eye disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and TBI residuals are currently pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for residuals right ophthalmic artery aneurysm has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal through her authorized representative.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for constricted peripheral vision, finding that it was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's rating for complex regional pain syndrome with left foot drop was changed from a 20% to a 10%, but the overall compensation remained unchanged. The change in rating code was proper as it clarified the correct nerve affected, without indicating any improvement in symptoms.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) prior to January 12, 2011, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not more nearly approximate severe impairment of health with frequent exacerbations or visible or palpable tissue loss.

The Board granted an effective date of March [REDACTED], 2013, for the award of an apportionment of the Veteran's VA benefits to the appellant due to incarceration.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and new evidence needs to be considered.

The Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for facial cancer (basal cell carcinoma) is reopened due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further evaluation of the relationship between his current condition and military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his fatal rectal carcinoma was caused by exposure to herbicide agents (including Agent Orange) during service. The decision is based on a presumption of exposure due to the Veteran's service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's post-operative bilateral inguinal hernias and chronic prostatitis were not rated higher than the current assigned ratings, resulting in a denial of increased rating claims.,Special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied due to lack of evidence showing substantial confinement.

The Board has remanded the case due to an open medical question regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed toe disability, specifically anonychia. The Veteran must be afforded a VA examination to determine if her current or service-connected disabilities are related to her left great toenail removal.

The appellant is granted accrued benefits due to his mother, including reimbursement for the expense of last sickness and burial. The Board found that the appellant's submission was timely filed within one year of his mother's death.

The Veteran's prostate and bladder disabilities are not service-connected due to his own misconduct, including leaving the VA hospital against medical advice.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him legally blind or require him to be in a nursing home. The Board finds no indication that the Veteran is bedridden or so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service connection claim for basal cell carcinoma is denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides and the condition did not manifest within one year of discharge. The Board found that the Veteran was less likely than not exposed to herbicides during his service.

The Board denied service connection for a lung condition as the Veteran does not have a current lung disability and no medical professional has attributed his symptoms to a lung disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for denying service connection for the cause of death. The appellant is seeking evidence that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Korea, but VA records do not provide such information.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate disability, including as due to asbestos exposure, is remanded. The AOJ must verify any potential asbestos exposure during service and conduct a VA examination to determine if the prostate disability is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to proceed with the merits of the case.