Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for psychosis or mental illness for the purpose of establishing eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C. �1702 was dismissed as moot due to her PTSD being granted. The claim for a higher rating for polycystic ovary disease is denied, and she is now receiving SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board denied service connection for a right arm disability, including a right elbow and/or right forearm, and/or right-hand disability other than residual fracture metacarpal head of the right little finger due to lack of credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and secondary service connection due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right rib disability, right elbow disabilities, and left elbow disability. The issues are being reviewed again with additional clarification from VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient efforts in obtaining VA treatment records from May 2011 to July 2011, particularly those related to a tick bite. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is also remanded for a new opinion from an independent medical expert.

The Veteran's surviving spouse withdrew the DIC claim before a decision was made, resulting in its dismissal.

The Veteran's left thumb disability is rated at 10% and has been increased to 20%. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and decreased grip strength, have not met criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse due to a lack of required documentation showing her eligibility for survivor benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pancreatic cancer is related to service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's MGUS is granted as presumptively due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. However, the claim cannot be granted on a direct basis and must be remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to properly discuss the Veteran's occupational and educational histories in the context of his ability to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment during the appeal period. The VA is required to seek out missing treatment records from Harlington hospital emergency department and Dr. K.A.

The Board has determined that there may be an issue with the validity of the overpayment, and thus remands the case for further review. The Veteran argues that at least a portion of the debt is due to sole VA error.

The Board has determined that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error and the claim for service connection for herpes is remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for atrial fibrillation and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to February 9, 2021. The Veteran's representative requested withdrawal of these appeals.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his stroke residuals and TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of all reported symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal of eligibility for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is dismissed as his claim has already been granted.

The appeals concerning non-VA medical services provided to the Veteran by AMRAS on different dates have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with metastasis to the liver and lymph node nodule in left neck area, both linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The decision is due to the Veteran's death.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's claim for PCAFC benefits was granted by the AOJ in August 2022, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The appeal for SMC is dismissed. Service connection for PSP, a form of Parkinson's disease, caused by herbicide exposure in service, is granted.