Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's benefits are apportioned to the appellant on behalf of their minor child, I.J.V., in the amount of the dependency allowance for dependent child due to the Veteran not reasonably discharging his responsibility for support.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to missing records. The Veteran's claims regarding SMC for aid and attendance, discontinuance of entitlement to automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, and discontinuance of entitlement to specially adapted housing are being reviewed.

The Board has granted VR&E benefits for the Veteran's pursuit of an educational goal to obtain a bachelor's degree, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from achieving this goal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if Sjogren's Syndrome is related to service, including Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran's earlier effective date for DEA benefits is denied as the earliest possible date of entitlement to TDIU was May 26, 2011.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and rating considerations due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder. The matter must be returned for a new examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to disputes over paternity and the need for a DNA test. The Veteran contests his acknowledgment of paternity, while the appellant claims S.D.B. is her son.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neurological disabilities of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to herbicide exposure, including left upper and lower extremity, right upper and lower extremity.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability, extension limitation, flexion limitation, and joint pain with locking and effusion, has been granted a 30 percent rating since October 16, 2003 to June 23, 2009. The claim for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Board has determined that a decision on the service connection for osteoporosis cannot be made without additional medical examination and opinion, as no VA examiner has provided an opinion regarding whether osteoporosis is related to service-connected allergic contact dermatitis or prednisone treatment.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to December 10, 2019, is denied as the evidence does not show he was unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for denying an increased rating greater than 50 percent from September 21, 2010, to May 7, 2019, for service-connected adjustment disorder with polysubstance abuse. The Veteran's treatment records from the Vet Center in McKeesport need to be obtained.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of left and right thumb disabilities, as well as rectal, bowel, or colon disability and urinary incontinence due to new and material evidence. The cases are being remanded for further development.,New evidence includes private treatment records, hearing testimony, medical opinions, and VA examination findings that support the Veteran's claims of sexual assault during service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and no service connection issues were decided.

The Board vacated the March 25, 2022 decision denying VA benefits based on character of discharge due to a procedural issue. The appellant's discharge was not barred from receiving VA benefits as it occurred under conditions other than dishonorable.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot and right foot disorders, finding that these conditions began during active duty.

The Board has restored the 10 percent ratings for meniscal tears in both knees, effective January 1, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for restoration of dependency benefits after August 15, 2016, as the removal of additional VA dependency benefits was proper due to L.W.'s election to receive Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits effective August 15, 2016.