Other conditions decisions — 2023

The appeal of the non-VA medical expenses claim is dismissed as there was no VA determination to appeal.

The appeal of the non-VA medical expenses claim is dismissed because VA did not make a determination denying the benefits sought.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with Mayo Clinic ambulance transportation service on November 13, 2019. The decision is based on the fact that the treatment was emergent and non-service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's carotid artery disease is related to his in-service herbicide exposure or secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to comply with previous remand directives, requiring a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin conditions of various body parts due to insufficient opinions regarding potential exposure to solvents and herbicides during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected diplopia with optic atrophy with visual field defect, left eye, and internuclear ophthalmoplegia prior to April 14, 2023, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected left eye disability from April 14, 2023.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of both knees is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's hyperhidrosis and adjustment disorder have been rated, but the Board finds that more evidence is needed to determine if these conditions warrant higher ratings.,An earlier effective date for the service-connected adjustment disorder rating needs to be determined.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure during his service in Thailand. However, the claim for service connection other than pursuant to the PACT Act remains at issue and requires additional development.

The Board has found that remand is necessary for a VA examination and medical opinion to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's nephropathy condition due to presumed exposure to toxic risk activities during service. Additionally, remand is needed for a TERA examination and medical opinion to determine if the Veteran has any respiratory conditions related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a prostate condition, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his active-duty service and his current condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for head injury and memory loss secondary to head injury need further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for further examination regarding the appellant's mental health at the time of his misconduct.

The Appellant withdrew her claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, leading to its dismissal.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for payment of nonservice-connected pension benefits as of March 19, 2021 due to an inextricably intertwined issue regarding special monthly pension (SMP) based on housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied benefits for a child born with birth defects due to lack of evidence showing the mother was a Vietnam veteran. The claim for spina bifida is pending as there are no records available.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding radiation exposure during service, and further development is needed.

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for multiple myeloma, right leg condition as secondary to multiple myeloma, RUE limited mobility as secondary to multiple myeloma, skin rash as secondary to multiple myeloma, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for multiple myeloma. Therefore, these issues must be remanded.