Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's stutter disorder is granted service connection as it is secondary to her service-connected PTSD. Service connection for facial weakness, numbness in the left arm, and numbness in the left hand are denied due to lack of current disability. Service connection for numbness in the left leg is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the Veteran's exposure to toxic substances and chemicals during his service at Kadena Air Base, including handling barrels of these substances. The AOJ is instructed to conduct further development in this area.

The Board has granted service connection for polymyalgia rheumatica and cardiomyopathy, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's exposure to TCE at El Toro during his military service.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's lung disability, including its relationship to asbestos exposure and service-connected myocardial infarction. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance is remanded due to past efforts to schedule an examination not being documented, and the Veteran's request for a closer location for the examination. The AOJ must renew its efforts to schedule the Veteran for an aid-and-attendance examination.

The Veteran is not entitled to retroactive compensation payment based on concurrent retirement and disability pay (CRDP) adjustment for the period from July 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017 as his VA payments did not begin until August 1, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a jaw fracture, including dental disability, and for angular cheilitis as secondary to the service-connected jaw fracture.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives, specifically focusing on rebuilding the Veteran's claims file and locating internal VA documents.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal regarding the overpayment of VA compensation benefits due to a retroactive removal of his former spouse from his award. The decision found that the overpayment was properly created and there was no sole administrative error by VA.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right leg condition was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection related to varicose veins in both lower extremities are being returned to the AOJ for further development as new evidence has been submitted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and lack of private treatment records. The Veteran's stomach ulcers are related to service, but not caused by or aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.

The appeal was dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board is unable to make a decision due to the lack of relevant records, including decisions on beneficiary travel expenses and reimbursement of non-VA medical expenses. The appeal must be remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the validity of the overpayment amount needs to be reviewed due to discrepancies in the dates of the Veteran's marriages and divorces. The AOJ is required to obtain marriage certificates and divorce decrees, determine the correct dates, and then decide whether the overpayment was properly created.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in creating and validating an overpayment of VA compensation benefits. The Veteran is seeking a waiver for this overpayment, which will be reviewed by Committee on Waivers and Compromises.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for TDIU before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer is granted, but the case is remanded to obtain a VA examination and medical nexus opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information about the Veteran's employment history during the years 2014 and 2015, which is necessary to determine if he maintained substantially gainful employment for TDIU purposes prior to August 26, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for gastritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain and bilateral feet weakened arches, finding that his current gastritis is likely caused by his treatment of these conditions with NSAIDs.