Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient explanation in the June 2018 VA examination regarding the Veteran's hip disorders and their relation to service. The case is being sent back for a new opinion from a qualified medical professional.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated employment information and clarification of the nature of the Veteran's employment during the appeal period. The Veteran is advised to complete and return a VA Form 21-8940.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for BPH, finding no evidence of a causal relationship between his current prostate disorder and his in-service herbicide exposure. The Veteran was not diagnosed with prostate cancer during service or at any time thereafter.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder of the head and an arthritic disability manifested by multiple painful joints, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claims were also not supported by competent medical evidence showing a relationship between his current disabilities and any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA examination to assess his left ear symptoms and determine if they are related to service-connected tinnitus or in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the current evaluation for the Veteran's right thumb disability is inadequate and requires further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the nature and severity of his degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and need for further examination, particularly regarding the etiology of the Veteran's SUNCT/SUNA syndrome.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for apportionment of his VA disability compensation benefits because he was reasonably discharging his duty to support his child and there would be undue financial hardship on him if an apportionment were granted.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and also denied the claim for accrued benefits due to untimely filing.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for left foot hallux rigidus and arthritis was denied, as the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5280. From March 29, 2019, his claim for a higher rating for his left foot disability (which includes hallux valgus) was also denied due to lack of evidence showing it met the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. His claim for a compensable rating for scars from surgeries on his left foot was denied as well.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is due to herbicide agent exposure during service, specifically Agent Orange. As a result, the claim for service connection for CML is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for mood disorder with cognitive disorder, as it is unclear whether the condition existed prior to his military service and if so, whether it was aggravated by service. The case will be reviewed again with additional evidence.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Appellant's discharge from service was dishonorable due to willful and persistent misconduct, which bars him from receiving VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete VA examination opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's porphyria cutanea tarda and his service, including any herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal cancer due to exposure to ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, and asbestos. The remanded case will include obtaining addendum opinions from an oncologist to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s esophageal cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since November 21, 2013. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration of TDIU prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left arm and left side nerve damage, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not caused by VA's care or treatment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left great toe disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current condition related to his military service or service-connected plantar warts.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a dental condition was previously denied in April 1957. The claim is reopened due to new evidence received since then, but the issue remains remanded as it involves treatment purposes and requires further VA Medical Center review.