Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's right bundle branch block and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation have been granted increased ratings. Right bundle branch block received a rating of 30 percent prior to January 7, 2020, and 60 percent from January 7, 2020. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation received a rating of 30 percent effective January 7, 2020.

The Board has decided that the notification letters regarding eligibility for PCAFC benefits were legally inadequate and there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The case is being remanded for an adequate medical decision.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied because he did not provide the necessary VA forms to complete his application, and there is insufficient information in the file to determine if his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical services provided by the Appellant on January 15, 2020 is denied because there was no VA authorization for such services.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be scheduled for the Veteran's heart murmur.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for deviated septum, which was secondary to his service-connected sinusitis, has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his claim.

The Veteran's appeal for eligibility to participate in the PCAFC program is remanded due to errors in decision-making and inadequate medical evaluations. The AOJ must obtain a new opinion from CEAT regarding the Veteran's need for personal care services based on specific criteria, and provide proper notice of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of multiple myeloma has been dismissed due to the withdrawal by his representative.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The Veteran was granted SMC based on aid and attendance effective March 5, 2018.,SMC based on need for higher level of care was granted effective March 24, 2020.

The Board has determined that a new medical examination is needed due to the inadequacy of the July 2016 VA examination, and a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) examination is also required. Additionally, medical nexus opinions are needed regarding whether fatigue is related to service or secondary to herpes simplex.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphocytic lymphoma was granted with an effective date of May 27, 2011. The rating assigned is 100 percent.

The Board dismissed the DIC appeal as the appellant withdrew her appeal through her authorized representative.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to his hypoglycemia and left-sided weakness from a stroke. The PCAFC eligibility determination was remanded as it did not consider whether participation would be in the Veteran's best interest.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal for a waiver of indebtedness, and the Board dismissed the claim as per the Veteran's request.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for avascular necrosis of the right and left hips due to inadequate medical opinion in the previous VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for Schatzki's ring, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the condition was caused or aggravated by military service. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tonsillar cancer is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure during his active duty in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete action on prior remand directives regarding payment or reimbursement for non-VA medical treatment from January 14, 2014, through March 5, 2014. The SSOC must now include all episodes of care.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development of evidence, including a need for an adequate medical opinion regarding secondary service connection and obesity as an intermediate step. The Veteran's DVT is being examined again with a focus on these issues.