Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and eosinophilic pneumonia as they were not related to active military service or exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange), chemicals, or asbestos.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of left distal fibula fracture with traumatic arthritis has been granted, but the issue is remanded due to his TDIU application. The current combined evaluation does not meet the minimum schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his death was not caused by any service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's pancreatitis is caused or aggravated by Januvia (sitagliptin) in association with his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer and residuals, status post-laparoscopic hemicolectomy due to a lack of evidence linking his current disability to his active duty service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's hip disabilities were previously rated, and the reduction in the evaluation for limitation of rotation, abduction, or adduction of the left hip was improper. The 20 percent evaluation is restored from October 26, 2017, to September 14, 2020.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct, is granted as service connected. The bilateral knee disability and neurological disability of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is related to his service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence and need for further examination, including on intercostal neuralgia and upper extremity impairment.

The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, and his condition is currently rated at 50 percent.

The VA has not determined the appellant's eligibility for VA home loan guaranty benefits due to his discharge under other than honorable conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary personnel and service treatment records, as well as supporting documentation from the appellant’s representative.

The Veteran's service-connected foot disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's disability was incurred in a combat zone and granted his appeal, reversing the previous decision to withhold part of his VA compensation due to severance pay.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's file regarding this matter may have been lost or destroyed, and therefore remands the case for the AOJ to reconstruct the record and upload all documentation related to the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's RUE disorder is rated at 40 percent since June 25, 2019. The Board has granted a higher rating for his service-connected right upper extremity neuropathy.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's granulomatous lung disease, finding that his FVC was at least 92 percent predicted and not meeting the criteria for any higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating prior to December 14, 2018 was denied as his residuals of vertebral fracture did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating from December 14, 2018 is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity and etiology of his bilateral lower radiculopathy.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA survivor benefits as she was not H.G.'s surviving spouse due to their divorce and her acknowledgment that they were legally divorced.