Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has found that further remand is required to ensure compliance with the previous remand instructions before adjudication can be accomplished. The AOJ must obtain an advisory medical opinion from an independent medical examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's brain cancer, specifically whether it was caused or otherwise etiologically related to his active duty exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of RSD of the LUE, as secondary to service-connected RSD of the LLE. The case will be reviewed based on a new VA medical opinion addressing the Veteran's lay assertions and whether her current RSD of the LUE is related to her service-connected RSD of the LLE.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA examination from a neurology specialist to address the claims of compensation under 38U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of stroke and service connection for MdDS.

The Veteran's son filed a claim for accrued benefits and pension, but the claim was denied because it was not submitted within one year of the Veteran's death. The Board found that the missing records were not relevant to the claim.

The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been granted and is effective January 12, 2015. The appeal is dismissed as the benefits have already been awarded.

The Veteran's heart disability, including a pacemaker implantation procedure, is rated at 100 percent effective from July 31, 2009 to September 30, 2009. Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is also granted during this period.

The Veteran's right side trigeminal neuralgia was found to be manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis of the fifth cranial nerve, but not severe. The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a sleep disorder and epididymitis due to additional VA treatment records and a March 2022 VA examination being added to the record. The AOJ must review these new documents and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental condition, including for purposes of obtaining VA outpatient treatment, is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's unrepresented status and potential inability to provide updated financial information. The appeal is now on hold for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed NASH is attributable to his in-service exposure to hazardous chemical agents, and thus service connection for NASH is granted.

The Veteran's CAD is related to Agent Orange exposure and service connection for CAD is granted on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's right eye condition is denied as it is a congenital disease and not aggravated by service.,For IVDS, the rating prior to September 22, 2021 was denied due to limited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and requires a new medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's drug and alcohol dependency.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's eye disabilities, specifically bilateral cataracts, bilateral dry eye with epiphora, bilateral watery eyes, bilateral refractive error, and left eye scotoma.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's vitiligo, which is currently considered a direct service connection issue without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left leg amputation, but the issue of service connection for popliteal arterial thrombosis is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board granted a disability rating of 20 percent for TMJ prior to October 1, 2021 and denied any increase in rating after that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives, specifically regarding obtaining a vocational rehabilitation evaluation. The Veteran should receive a new VR&E examination to determine the feasibility and appropriateness of his participation in VR&E services.