Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's cause of death is now recognized as service-connected due to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.,The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 has been dismissed as moot.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of his left thigh disability, and the Board dismissed the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected hallux valgus and left foot scarring. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for these conditions, which are currently rated as 30 percent and noncompensable respectively.

The Veteran's congenital eye condition, Duane's Retraction Syndrome, was made worse by a surgical procedure during her service. The Board has determined that the evidence is at least as likely as not that this worsening occurred beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's diagnosed Basal Cell Carcinoma is found to be related to his exposure to sunlight while serving in the Republic of Vietnam, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits and VA benefits based on his spouse's need for regular aid and attendance due to a lack of qualifying service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of balance and dizziness, finding that there is no current disability separate from his service-connected lumbar spine disability and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed head trauma and residuals. The matter is being returned for further development, including obtaining a new medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for continued participation in the VR&E program for nursing education and employment services has been withdrawn by the appellant. The Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has determined that the case must be remanded as procedural steps have not been completed, including notifying the Veteran and appellant of the September 2013 apportionment decision, providing notice on the requirements for a minor child to receive an apportionment after turning 18 years old post high school, obtaining documentation from the appellant or educational institution regarding pursuit of education by K.A. and A.A., requesting financial information from both parties, and issuing a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left inguinal hernia disability, which includes ilio-inguinal nerve neuralgia, is being remanded due to incomplete VA examination and outstanding treatment records.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with its previous remand directives and thus the case is being returned to VA for further development, including a new examination.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a recurrent ear disability and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete evaluations and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate statement of reasons or bases for its decision. The Veteran's MDS is being reviewed again to address a private medical opinion regarding early onset pancytopenia and chromosomal progression.

The Board denied reopening the claim of service connection for chronic myelogenous leukemia due to lack of new and material evidence, as the condition is not related to military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disability is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the medical evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for basal cell carcinoma and paresthesias of the lower extremities were denied. The claim for a compensable rating for an adjustment disorder was remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of nasal trauma is granted as his symptoms began during active duty and have continued since.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for essential tremors, finding that it is less likely than not related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's cause of death is multiple myeloma, which was not service connected at the time. The appellant contends that exposure to contaminated waters while serving at Fort Leonard Wood caused his death. The Board finds sufficient evidence for a remand due to potential relationship between active service and cause of death.