Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and for obtaining SSA records related to the appellant's disability benefits.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and further review is needed.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to January 1, 2013. However, as of January 1, 2013, the evidence does not support a finding that his employment was marginal.

The Veteran's rating for sensory paralysis, terminal branch, mandibular division of the 5th cranial nerve was reduced from 30% to 10%, but this reduction was improper due to lack of evidence showing sustained improvement. The 30% rating is restored.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions and need for further medical evaluation regarding the Veteran's skin cancers, which are believed to be related to his service exposure in the Asiatic-Pacific theatre of operations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's chronic sinus disorder is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia was submitted more than one year after the effective date of a regulatory change, and thus an earlier effective date is not warranted. The Board found that no earlier effective date could be granted due to the lack of evidence supporting a prior intent to file or claim.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for fungal infection of both hands and feet, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The VA debt in the amount of $32,000 was determined to be invalid due to administrative error on the part of VA. The appeal is granted.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any bilateral eye disability, including macular degeneration, pseudophakia, macular edema, and choroidal nevus. The Veteran's lay report of in-service vision problems will be considered.

The Veteran's surviving spouse was granted increased DIC based on the need for aid and attendance, but her appeal for an earlier effective date is pending in a separate decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right eye condition, specifically his cataracts. The Veteran contends that his current right eye disability is related to a 1966 assault and trauma.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was remanded due to the failure of the DRO to notify the Veteran and his attorney about unsuccessful attempts to reach them for an informal conference. The case is now back with the Board for further action.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's education and occupational history. The Veteran was provided another opportunity to complete a VA Form 21-8940, but did not do so.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's HPO is related to his service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions and need for a new VA examination regarding any brain disorder, including residuals of trauma.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no further action is required as the case has become moot.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for residuals of a tonsillectomy was denied because she failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.