Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased evaluation for perirectal abscess and entitlement to TDIU due to incomplete records review and inadequate examination.

The Veteran's larynx cancer is service connected as a result of presumed exposure to herbicide agents, such as Agent Orange, during his active duty in Thailand.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding her service connection claim and TDIU claims. The right knee disability issue was previously remanded, and the TDIU claims are being addressed.

The appeal seeking special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has determined that the current medical opinions are inadequate and requires an addendum opinion to address the etiology of the Veteran's Morton's neuroma, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to her service-connected lumbar radiculopathy.

The Veteran's right knee instability and pain have been rated at 10 percent prior to January 9, 2019, and at 30 percent from March 1, 2020. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings are not met.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA survivor's benefits because her deceased spouse did not have active military service, and therefore does not qualify for veteran status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability, finding that his conditions are not related to his active duty service and do not meet the criteria for secondary service connection due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the Veteran's rash and lesions associated with pruritis ani from March 17, 2015. The condition required constant or near-constant systemic therapy throughout the period on appeal.

The Board found that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits due to concurrent receipt of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) and VA benefits was not properly created, thus granting the Veteran's appeal.

The Board has ordered the RO to comply with prior remand directives and obtain necessary medical records, including a home overnight sleep study result. Additionally, they need to determine if the Veteran had a sleep study in June 2014 or following the referral noted in a June 2017 VA treatment record. They also need to obtain a VA medical opinion from a neurologist or somnologist regarding the nature of the Veteran's periodic limb movement disorder.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for beta thalassemia, vasovagal syncope with atypical chest pain, and heat stroke. The RO must obtain any outstanding records and schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to address his disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of aseptic meningitis and/or encephalitis, other than headaches. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis associated with these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's essential thrombocytosis may be related to his service, but an adequate medical opinion is needed to establish this relationship. The appeal is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran's essential tremors qualify as parkinsonism, which could affect service connection. The VA will seek additional medical opinions and evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's throat cancer, specifically whether it was caused by herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for residuals of syphilis, but denied the claim on its merits.

The Board has decided that further efforts need to be undertaken to verify the Appellant's claimed military service, as his records were destroyed in a 1973 fire. The Board suggests the Appellant submit a request to the Department of the Army Board of Corrections of Military Records (ABCMR) for verification.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal before a decision was made, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of Lyme disease, including arthritis, as there is no currently diagnosed residual disability related to a tick bite during active duty.