Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to additional development being needed, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, SSA records, and a VA opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's cause of death. The examiner is asked to consider the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, contaminants at Camp Lejeune, fumes from helicopter fuel, and potential asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has granted service connection for left oncocytoma status post nephrectomy, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's service-connected diabetic mellitus with residuals.

The Veteran's bilateral hip arthritis is granted as service connected, with no specific rating assigned and effective date not specified.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (dysarthria, dysphagia) rendered her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to December 31, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left eye post-operative corneal transplant with corneal opacity, neovascularization and keratitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating from August 25, 2014 onwards.

The Veteran's appeal for transferring her 38 U.S.C. Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 G.I. Bill) educational benefits to her dependents has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the appellant's request for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 prior to September 1, 1999 due to her choosing a beginning date of eligibility in September 1999 which was not allowed by regulation.

The Board denied service connection for a liver condition due to herbicide exposure, but granted service connection for cataracts.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and other procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the etiology and pathophysiology of the Veteran's cardiovascular condition, including chest pain experienced during service. The claim is now pending for a new examination.

The Veteran's right foot calcaneus and tenosynovitis were granted initial ratings of 10% from June 12, 2009 through March 29, 2016, and 20% since March 30, 2016.

The Veteran's right thumb disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available for limitation of motion. The Board found no additional functional loss or impairment that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for essential tremors due to insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to service, including potential secondary effects from other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, including the need for SSA and OPM records related to his employment status.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the claim was resolved in favor of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal, as the episode of care was approved in its entirety in July 2021.

The Veteran's niece and guardian was granted non-service-connected burial benefits as the Veteran had been receiving non-service-connected pension at the time of his death.

The Board has decided that there is not enough information to determine the amount of the Veteran's education overpayment and whether a waiver is appropriate. The case is being sent back for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for memory loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his memory problems are related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tremors is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his tremors are related to his active duty service.

The Board has decided that it does not have jurisdiction to review the appeal regarding payment of non-VA medical services provided from June 8, 2020 to June 11, 2020. The decision is remanded for further action including providing adequate notice and ensuring all evidence upon which the decision is based is identified in the notice.

Your appeal has been dismissed because the costs associated with your medical care have already been paid in full by VA.