Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's total and permanent disability rating was granted earlier than the Appellant's 26th birthday, allowing her to be eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart problems, including atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolus, did not begin during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's post-surgical collapsed lung is not service-connected under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 because it was not caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification regarding whether the appellant is properly recognized as a substitute claimant, if there are accrued benefits available, and to obtain medical opinions on loss of use of feet. The decision also notes that it does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hand and elbow disorders should be remanded due to inadequate opinions from the VA examiner. The issues have been returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he is not entitled to a rate of education benefits under Chapter 33 in excess of the 80 percent rate due to his National Guard service from September 2010 to September 2014 not qualifying for Chapter 33 benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left epicondylitis, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations and the need for a new examination that addresses potential anemia and weight loss related to the Veteran's peptic ulcer.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development regarding when the need for aid and attendance first arose, as it is inextricably intertwined with other pension claims.

The Board has decided that further development is needed to determine if the appellant served in qualifying military service for VA compensation purposes. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Board has decided that further development is necessary in this matter due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claim of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an iatrogenic injury during cochlear implant surgery.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his time stationed at Udorn Royal Air Force Base in Thailand.

The Board denied service connection for esophageal and stomach cancers, finding the evidence did not support a direct link to service or herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's cause of death, multiple myeloma, is not service-connected as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand or Vietnam. The disease was first diagnosed years after discharge and has not been linked to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to inadequate compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete request for VA treatment records from the White River Junction VAMC. The Veteran was seeking an earlier effective date for a 30% rating for encephalitis.

The case is being remanded due to a discrepancy regarding the Veteran's neurologic impairment related to his left forearm disability. The Veteran will be provided with an updated examination to determine if he has any current neurologic complications.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's employment history prior to July 31, 2019. The matter will be returned for further development and readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral great toenail onychomycosis began during his military service and continues to this day, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development. The Veteran's carotid artery disease, stroke residuals, and left eye disorder are all in question.