Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's cause of death is dismissed due to the deaths of both the Veteran and his spouse, as an Appellant's claim does not survive their death.

The Board denied a rating higher than 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected hypogammaglobulinemia, finding that his condition is best rated by analogy to agranulocytosis (Diagnostic Code 7702). The evidence showed effective treatment with monthly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy which reduced infections.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder is etiologically related to his in-service traumatic events.

The Board has determined that a survivor's special monthly pension is granted since December 31, 2021 due to the appellant's need for aid and attendance. The decision also states that prior to December 31, 2021, the appellant's net worth exceeded the limit for receipt of a survivor's SMP.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for leukemia, finding no new and relevant evidence to support his contention that his current condition is related to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's death benefits are granted effective from March 1, 2017, the date of his death.

The Veteran's child, L., was added as her dependent to her award of VA disability compensation effective March 23, 2015. The appeal for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for atrial fibrillation, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects his condition.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected cognitive disorder, finding that his symptoms more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral leg disability, finding that the evidence does not support a relationship between the Veteran's current diagnoses and his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral ear condition.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 4, 2010 for service connection and associated lumbar radiculopathy was denied.,Claims for separate ratings higher than 10 percent for associated lumbar radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities (LEs) were also denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating higher than 100 percent for spine disability, which is already at its maximum schedular rating, was denied as an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the appellant experienced an additional disability of his lung and diaphragm, which was not a progression of or result of a pre-existing condition. The claim is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for vitiligo, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for an esophageal or stomach condition, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to active duty.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a liver disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions and lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for vaginosis and abnormal pap smear, as well as menstrual disorders. The Veteran's complaints of vaginal and gynecological issues are to be evaluated through a new VA examination.

The Board granted retroactive payment of DEA benefits for the Appellant's attendance at Delta State University during the delimiting period from August 29, 1992 to August 29, 2000.

The Veteran's cause of death was acute respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism. The VA examiner concluded that hypertension did not cause or contribute to his death.