Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred during non-VA hospitalization at UPMC Hamot Hospital from March 13, 2013 through March 19, 2013 is being remanded due to the need for additional information and records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sinoatrial node dysfunction is related to his Gulf War service or an undiagnosed illness. The examiner needs to provide a new opinion on these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left eye disability, which is presumed to be related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, finding that the current condition is related to exposure to Agent Orange during active service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability, to include as secondary to diabetes, is remanded due to a need for medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, finding that there was no causal relationship between his current condition and his military service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied service connection for a heart murmur, finding that there is no current diagnosis of the condition and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for herniated nucleus pulposus and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). As a result, the Board dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional information and development.

The Veteran passed away during the appeal process, and as a result, the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's skin cancer, diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, was not incurred or aggravated by service, including presumed exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. The Board found no evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's VR&E services were reinstated due to his no longer being under legal guardianship and compliance with mental health treatment. The Board found the evidence in equipoise, granting the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for automobile or adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment only due to lack of qualifying disability as defined by VA regulations. The Veteran does not have loss of use of one or both feet due to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination opinions regarding the relationship between pericarditis and service, including exposure to pesticides and delousing agents.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, allowing the appellant to receive maximum burial benefits.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, increased ratings, and other issues related to the Veteran's Parkinson's disease, PTSD, and residuals of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. The case is being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity varicose veins due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete service treatment records.

For the appeal period prior to October 2019, the Veteran's residuals of a left foot stress fracture were rated at 10 percent.,Since October 2019, the Veteran’s residuals of a left foot stress fracture have been rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hand disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition related to his current disability.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the cause of his left eye blindness.