Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for hernia and ulcer conditions, finding that additional opinions are needed to address whether these conditions are related to service-connected GERD.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as metastatic esophageal cancer, but the Board found insufficient evidence to link this condition to his service or herbicide agent exposure. The appellant argued for a secondary connection based on presumed Agent Orange exposure, but the VA and VHA opinions were more persuasive in finding no such link.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's costochondritis, affecting muscle group XIX, is rated at 30 percent, but no higher, as the evidence shows a moderately severe disability.

The Board denied service connection for numbness of the lower extremities, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between the condition and service.

The Veteran's death made the claims for automobile and adaptive equipment, as well as special home adaptation grant, moot. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his fatal condition was not caused or substantially contributed to by in-service malaria.

The Veteran's dystonia of the right arm is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because a waiver of indebtedness for overpayment of benefits based on changes in dependency was granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Tumid Lupus Erythematosus (TLE) as it is not present due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and there is no evidence of a chronic skin issue during active service. The Board found that the Veteran's TLE did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's cauda equina syndrome and loss of bowel control are granted as service-connected. A rating of 60 percent for neurogenic bladder is granted, effective from October 7, 2011 to August 28, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis and his service. The Veteran needs to provide more medical evidence to support his claim.

The Veteran's appeal regarding compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for loss of use of the right eye was dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) as it did not have its onset during active service and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease, or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's emergency room visit at Smith Northview Hospital on October 7-8, 2013 was deemed necessary due to the sudden worsening of numbness and new symptoms like severe head pain and slurred speech. The closest VA facility was over 50 miles away, making it infeasible for immediate treatment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remands. The Veteran's sleep-disordered breathing condition needs further clarification regarding his use of CPAP machines and other devices, as well as which symptoms are attributed to his service-connected PTSD with insomnia or allergic rhinitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an unspecified bilateral eye disability, including refractive error. The evidence did not show a current disability and the Veteran’s only current eye condition was refractive error, which is not eligible for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for brain tumors, finding that there is no evidence linking his condition to service, herbicide exposure, or radiation exposure.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, as appellants' claims do not survive their deaths.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tonsillitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.