Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hematological disabilities, specifically myelofibrosis and anemia. The VA examiner needs to provide a more detailed opinion on whether these conditions are related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as delusional disorder, was denied. The claim for a higher initial rating of 10 percent for the service-connected hypertension disability from June 8, 2016 was granted. The claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to the service-connected hypertension was denied.

The Board denied the appellant's appeal as her discharge from service was under other than honorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct, which constitutes a bar to VA benefits.

The Board granted a disability rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's left wrist disability, effective from January 12, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a cerebrovascular accident and TDIU due to insufficient explanation in the previous decision regarding the relationship between the Veteran's cerebrovascular accident and his service, as well as the potential relation to post-service hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, along with his secondary cannabis use disorder, are granted. The appeal regarding treatment purposes only under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 is dismissed.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant died and there is no one eligible for substitution in the appeal.

The Veteran's cause of death is attributed to metastatic esophageal cancer, which the Appellant claims was caused by his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Board has determined that further research and verification are needed to substantiate this claim.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for ulcers or their residuals has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations and the need for updated records. The Veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral shoulder disability is being reviewed again.

The Board denied the Appellant's request for an earlier effective date of September 20, 2013 for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) awarded to her after her husband's death in May 2009. The Board found no evidence of a prior claim before this date.

The Veteran's muscle spasms disorder is granted as service connected, and the TDIU claim is remanded for further action.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for TMJ syndrome, bilaterally with degenerative changes prior to May 9, 2019, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. Additional development is required as per the reasons stated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim regarding the change in his means test eligibility category from copay exempt to copy required for income year 2017, finding that his attributable household income exceeded the VA National Means Test threshold.

The Board denied service connection for multiple myeloma, finding no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation during military service and his development of the condition. The Board also found insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's multiple myeloma to herbicide or chemical exposure from his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his residuals of a broken jaw is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a clothing allowance for use of her back brace has been remanded due to the failure to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and asbestos exposure. Additional development is needed, including obtaining records from a private provider and requesting an addendum opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for dry eye syndrome as secondary to Parkinson's disease, but denied service connection for vision problems including bilateral cataracts due to lack of evidence linking them to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a new examination to determine the severity and manifestations of the veteran's service-connected left hip trochanteric bursitis.