Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a stomach disorder, including constipation, due to an undiagnosed illness and as secondary to a service-connected disability. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed stomach condition.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, including bursitis, arthritis, bone spurs, and multiple muscle tears, is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted the waiver of overpayment for $3,396.00 related to fees due to an overpayment of educational assistance benefits under Fry Scholarship. The reduction in educational assistance benefits was also found proper and valid.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of non-VA medical expenses incurred at Lakeview Regional Medical Center on March 2, 2015 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and review.

The Veteran's spouse was added as his dependent to his award of VA disability compensation effective February 16, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for diplopia due to myasthenia gravis is denied prior to August 5, 2021. Beginning August 5, 2021, the Veteran is granted an 80 percent rating for diplopia in both eyes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) because he failed to respond and provide evidence needed to substantiate his claim.

The Veteran's initial rating of 20 percent for meniscal tear and DJD in the left knee is granted, effective June 29, 2016. A separate rating of 10 percent for instability is also granted.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for esophageal cancer, as it may be related to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's claim will need further examination and opinion regarding this relationship.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathies, finding that the conditions are not related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents and do not have a direct causal relationship with service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for recognition of M.C. as a 'helpless child' due to her inability to support herself before turning 18, citing evidence that she had ongoing psychiatric and intellectual issues after age 18.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right forearm fracture was denied because he failed to report for a VA examination, and the Board found that the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.655 applied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral eye disability is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the service-connected left knee condition caused or aggravated the left great toe condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's essential tremors, specifically addressing whether it is at least as likely as not related to toxic exposure from Camp Lejeune or his service-connected heart condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for eligibility to receive an automobile allowance, and the Board dismissed it.

The appeal for service connection of gastrointestinal and prostate disabilities, as secondary to coronary artery disease, is dismissed. The rating for coronary artery disease remains at 60 percent, and the claim for TDIU is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for fatty liver disease was denied, but his claim for squamous cell carcinoma of the right pyriform sinus was reopened and granted. The cancer is presumed to be related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, progressive acute myelogenous leukemia with significant condition contributing to death listed as pneumonia, was at least as likely as not related to his active-duty service. The appeal is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's lower back disability and his service dates. The VA will need to obtain additional medical records, personnel records, and confirm the Veteran's active duty service.