Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 60 percent for stomach cancer, s/p total gastrectomy is granted beginning February 8, 2010. The claim for entitlement to TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's colitis (Crohn's disease) is rated at a 10 percent disability rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for gastritis and ulcerative colitis as these conditions were already granted in a previous rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for metastatic pancreatic cancer due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during active duty, and the cause of death was also determined to be related to this condition. As a result, DIC benefits are granted but pension benefits are dismissed as they are considered moot.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic blepharitis does not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to determine if any current eye condition other than corneal scarring and dry eye syndrome is related to service, including a December 1985 injury. The examiner should consider the Veteran's statements that his in-service injury affected both eyes.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating prior to April 7, 2022, for detrusor instability has been dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left eye injury due to VA surgery, finding that the Veteran's additional eye disability was not caused by or became worse by VA treatment and that it resulted from an event reasonably foreseeable.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left inguinal and left umbilical hernias due to additional VA generated evidence that was not properly addressed in a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his cause of death, including early signs of leukemia. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions on these issues.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal regarding the claims for loss of taste and lagophthalmus and photophobia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral forearm and elbow disabilities, finding that the evidence did not show ankylosis or other conditions warranting higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and remanded the issue of total disability based upon individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's ear disorder and symptomatology. The examiner was asked to provide opinions on whether her condition is related to service, specifically her service-connected rhinitis, and if it is aggravated by it.

The Veteran's spouse, R., was added as her dependent to her award of VA disability compensation effective May 19, 2011 (with payment beginning on June 1, 2011). The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's child does not meet the criteria for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1805 or § 1815 because she does not have spina bifida and her mother is not a Vietnam Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right breast cancer, finding that there is no probative evidence linking his breast cancer to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral ganglion cysts is being remanded due to new evidence of ongoing chronic right wrist pain.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's perforated colon was caused by a VA provider's carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill during the August 2009 colonoscopy. The case will be sent back for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for accrued benefits, stating that there is no legal basis for payment of $2,950.80 to him as he does not fall into any eligible payee categories and has not provided proof of payments made to A.'s care facility.