Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot because they have already been granted specially adapted housing.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's cause of death, esophageal carcinoma with mets. The appellant contends that this cancer was caused by in-service exposures to Agent Orange and other chemicals while stationed on Johnston Island.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for his left leg length discrepancy, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating as his leg length difference was only 0.8 centimeters.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination with a dermatologist to determine the nature and etiology of any skin disabilities, claimed as cysts and masses, and the severity of a service-connected skin disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of informed consent documentation for treatment received in August 2011, including IV placement. The Veteran is requested to provide any necessary identification of sources and VA will seek out additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected lower urinary tract symptoms.

The Veteran's stroke was not caused by VA's carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault in providing treatment. The Board found that the Veteran's non-compliance with his Warfarin medication regimen was a significant factor leading to his stroke.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 21, 2017 is remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA or private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a temporary total evaluation based on the criteria in 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 for a surgical procedure requiring at least 30 days of convalescence, and the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's left hip conditions have been rated as 10 percent disabling prior to November 4, 2020 and from that date. The current ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the case, and therefore has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and missed examinations. The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability rating for bilateral eye optic drusen and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a right ankle strain are pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a dental disorder, including loss of teeth and mandible disorder. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for a personality disorder and granted it, finding new evidence related to an in-service attack. However, the Board also found that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left eye condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of whether VA properly withheld his VA compensation for four days of fiscal year 2015 during which he was receipt of military drill pay.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is competent to handle his VA funds, so there is no justiciable case or controversy regarding this issue.

The Veteran's claims for temporary total ratings under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 for periods of convalescence in 1980 and 2001 are denied as the effective dates for service connection were prior to these periods.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding whether an additional disability was superimposed on the Veteran's bicuspid aortic valve during service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA benefits due to his discharge by reason of a general court-martial, finding that it constituted a bar to VA benefits.