Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service connection claim for right elbow squamous cell cancer is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his condition is related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran to be provided with a VA examination to determine if his hernia disability is related to service. The current rating of 0% will remain unchanged.

The Veteran's additional disability, including atherosclerotic disease and carotid artery stenosis, is not considered to be caused by VA care. The progression of these conditions was attributed to uncontrolled diabetes and ongoing tobacco use.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear disability, including a retracted tympanic membrane (claimed as collapsed eardrum), due to inadequate development and analysis of the evidence.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be B-cell lymphoma, which the VA finds is service-connected. The appeal for accrued benefits is dismissed as requested by the Appellant and her representative.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current dental disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the relationship between polycythemia, a possible underlying condition, and the Veteran's right eye disability. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's mental health disorder, diagnosed as unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder, is found to be at least as likely as not related to his service in Vietnam. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and the Board denied entitlement to Special Monthly Pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's eye disabilities, specifically addressing whether they are related to service or caused by his facial burn scars.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear exposure details and requests for additional development, including obtaining specific toxic compounds and related studies.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's T-cell large granular lymphocytic (T-LGL) leukemia is related to his service in Vietnam, where he was exposed to toxic herbicides. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's hoarseness associated with a stroke is rated at 10 percent since the date of service connection, and this rating is granted for the entire appeal period. No higher rating is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, finding that there is not an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence to support the claim. The Board concluded that current respiratory problems are not related to service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral elbow disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not due to injury sustained during his period of service. The decision also assigns a combined total rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's TMD disability is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of her condition. The TDIU claim is also remanded for development and adjudication.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of their claims for service connection for cause of death and entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pancreatic cancer due to exposure to herbicide agents and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as well as secondary service connection for his diabetes. The Board found that there was no direct evidence linking the cancer to military service or any presumptive conditions.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no final decision can be made.

The Veteran's interstitial lung disease is remanded for further evaluation due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.