Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder was dismissed due to procedural defects.

The Board found that the reduction of VA pension benefits with special monthly pension from June 1, 2021 was proper due to an increase in countable income from Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. The Veteran's entitlement to a higher rate of pension is denied.

The appeal was dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal, making it moot.

The Veteran's appeal for beneficiary travel reimbursement for emergency ambulance services provided by AMR of Massachusetts on September 15, 2019 is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran prior to a final decision.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip degenerative joint disease has not been shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his service exposure to contaminated water and herbicide agents at Camp Lejeune. The decision also notes that doubt in favor of the claim was resolved.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to resolve the Veteran's claims for service connection and 1151, and thus remands the case for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for fatigue as secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C disability, finding that there was no evidence linking the fatigue to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU and a temporary total evaluation due to CRPS are remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for an eye disorder, finding that the Veteran's eye disorder is not related to his service or secondary to his service-connected traumatic brain injury.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for right and left shin splints, as well as the TDIU claim. The Veteran will need to provide a copy of the curriculum vitae of the August 2023 VA examiner or undergo a new examination if it is not possible.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disorders are not causally related to his in-service duties and do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 1151 for the resection of his large intestine is remanded due to deficiencies in the prior medical opinions and need for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's right testicle is absent or non-functioning for any reason. The AOJ needs to obtain a VA medical opinion and consider existing records including lab testing from 2017.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's genitourinary disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for ED remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and a higher rating for eye disabilities due to inadequate opinions regarding etiology. The Veteran's participation in a toxic exposure risk activity during service is acknowledged, but no left eye disability was found related to this exposure.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are rated at 40 percent, requiring absorbent materials to be changed two to four times per day.

The appeal was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has denied service connection for an unspecified right eye condition and liver disease, finding that the evidence does not support a link to service or exposure events.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a prostate disorder, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current condition and his military service or herbicide exposure.