Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's cause of death was glioblastoma multiforme, which the Board found to be related to his service-connected exposure to Agent Orange. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding dependency benefits for a dependent child (C.D.B.). As a result, the Board dismissed the case.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's small intestine disability, including whether it is a congenital defect or disease, and if any pre-existing condition was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's cold injury residuals of the right and left hands were granted initial ratings, with the right hand receiving a rating of 30 percent from November 1, 2013, and the left hand also receiving a rating of 30 percent from that date. The decision denied higher initial ratings for both hands prior to November 1, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the appellant provided funds for his mother's unreimbursed medical expenses and in-home care. The appellant is asked to provide any such evidence, including an itemized report of the amount owed for in-home care.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for a hematologic oncologic disability with deep vein thrombosis. The remand includes obtaining an addendum VA opinion from either the March 2020 examiner or a board certified oncologist to address whether the Veteran's diagnosed disorder is at least as likely as not related to his in-service chemical exposures.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the appellant's character of discharge is a bar to VA compensation benefits. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining a new opinion from a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The Veteran's diagnosed cyst on the left ring finger is denied as not related to service, including presumed herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of probative value in the previous medical opinion and because the issue involves an incremental increase in disability, not permanent worsening.

The Board has granted service connection for multifactorial dysequilibrium, finding that it was aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and missing medical records. The Veteran's right middle lobe adenocarcinoma residuals need to be reassessed, and all relevant treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral cataracts and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not caused or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal to switch from MGIB to Post-9/11 GI Bill was denied due to the use of his service period for eligibility under MGIB, which precludes him from receiving benefits under both programs.

The Veteran's right inguinal hernia disability is granted service connection. The genitourinary disability, including orchidectomy residuals, erectile dysfunction, and hypogonadism, secondary to the hernia disability, remains on remand for further development.

The Veteran's appeal regarding drill pay adjustments from FY 2015 was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal and requested a hearing, which was also withdrawn. The VA debt related to FY 2015 drill pay has been resolved.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with verifying service connection for death benefits. The appellant's spouse had no verified qualifying active service or recognized guerrilla service, leading to a denial of VA death benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral vascular disease, claimed as poor circulation of the bilateral legs, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the condition began during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's ITP was aggravated by service-connected type 1 diabetes and if it existed prior to service.

The Veteran's service-connected right hand disability, characterized by residuals of a laceration from tendon repair in 1987, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that it does not meet criteria for an increased rating.