Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pancreatic cancer is related to his active service, specifically his Gulf War service. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of death and service connection for burial benefits. The Veteran's lung disease is being evaluated, along with his exposure history.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and pain disorder, rated at 70 percent disabling, are found to prevent her from securing or following substantially gainful employment. She is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected gastroenteritis with fundic gland polyp is being remanded due to the need to obtain information about the competency of the January 2020 VA examiner.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no final decision can be made.

The Board denied the veteran's son's request for an extension of DEA benefits due to his 26th birthday, as there are no exceptions under VA regulations that allow such a request.

The Board has determined that an additional opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's left middle finger amputation was caused by VA care, treatment or examination and if so, whether it was due to negligence or lack of proper skill.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a heart disability and respiratory disability. The remaining claims have been decided, with some ratings granted.

The Veteran's abscess condition is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, but the Board has not granted any higher ratings. The claim for TDIU prior to May 28, 2020, remains on appeal and needs further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and new evidence is needed. The main issues are determining if the Veteran's fall was caused by his medications, specifically Xarelto, Warfarin, and Pradaxa.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a dental disability for compensation and treatment purposes due to insufficient development regarding in-service dental trauma or injury.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision. The case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's pleural plaque disability, claimed as a lung condition due to asbestos exposure, is rated at 100 percent since April 17, 2017.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, indicating satisfaction with the current rating and not wanting to pursue any further appeals.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's causes of death and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to active service or exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's pneumonia and bilateral upper and lower extremity numbness were not caused by VA treatment, nor was it proximately caused by an event not reasonably foreseeable. The Board denied the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disabilities to include pneumonia and bilateral upper and lower extremity numbness, status post C2-C7 fusion.

The Veteran's left foot condition, characterized by numbness in the 4th and 5th toes, is rated at a 10 percent disability level. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase to a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for granting survivor's pension benefits from April 16, 2018 to May 1, 2019. The Court found that it is not clear whether the appellant has unreimbursed medical expenses that should be deducted from her countable income.