Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has decided that the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 2, 2019 is remanded due to an intertwined motion for clear and unmistakable error in a previous decision. The matter will be adjudicated again once the CUE motion is finally decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left great toe disability began during service and is related to an in-service injury, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a respiratory condition, finding that his symptoms are less likely than not related to any in-service incident or injury, including his diagnosis of German Measles/Rubella in 1943. The decision also noted that tobacco use during service is statutorily prohibited as a basis for granting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is aggravating his diagnosed pseudophakia and bilateral cataracts. The VA must obtain a new opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for left groin strain, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during service and have persisted since. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible reports of self-treatment with Motrin and cold/hot compresses since service.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's left ring finger disability, finding that any limitation of motion did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board denied service connection for left foot DJD, finding no in-service injury or disease and no continuity of symptoms since service. The current disability is not related to service-connected sciatica or IVDS.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal regarding entitlement to an effective date prior to January 1, 2013, for adding a dependent school child to award. The Board dismissed this claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and inconsistencies in the Veteran's employment history. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered after obtaining updated information from the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dementia is likely related to his service, specifically an explosion during active duty which caused a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As such, the claim for service connection for dementia is granted.

The Veteran is seeking educational assistance benefits for Post-9/11 GI Bill education, but the AOJ found that only a portion of his service qualifies. The Board has ordered remand to determine if any additional periods of active duty after July 2013 should be considered in determining eligibility.

The Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with depressed mood, was incurred in or caused by his active duty service and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA benefits purposes, based on clear and convincing evidence showing a common law marriage after the death of E.F.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to a lack of adequate medical opinion regarding herbicide exposure and its relation to BPH. The case is returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's neurobehavioral disorder, including an unspecified neurocognitive disorder, is related to his in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Board finds remand necessary for a new VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran's cephalgia/occipital neuralgia was rated at 30 percent effective August 4, 2020. The condition is characterized by prostrating attacks occurring once per month and productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has granted effective dates for the addition of the Veteran's spouse, M.M., and dependent child, D.B., to his VA disability compensation award. The stepchildren, M.B. and C.B., are recognized as dependent children from November 1, 2010, to April 30, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected right finger disability and any gastrointestinal symptoms such as GERD.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 16, 2017 for the award of special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance. This decision is based on the Veteran's dementia condition.