Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for a duodenal ulcer prior to August 20, 2019 and service connection for a dental condition due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is also scheduled for an in-person examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed dental condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of total potential exposure and synergistic effects from all toxic exposure activities in determining whether there is a nexus between the Veteran's BPH and his TERA.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for her service-connected skin rash on face (including neck, head area and back) is remanded due to the need for a medical examination to determine if topical therapy qualifies as systemic treatment.

The Veteran's alopecia areata/hair loss is remanded for a TERA examination to determine if it is related to service, including his conceded exposure to burn pits and other toxins.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the increased rating of his bilateral eye disability was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to show a factually ascertainable increase in severity during the year preceding February 24, 2022. For SMC based on blindness of one eye having only light perception, the claim was dismissed as moot due to the Veteran's entitlement to a greater benefit (100% disability rating) for his bilateral eye disability.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of all appeals.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate this matter as the appellant is deceased.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for accrued benefits in excess of $5,929.50 as she is not a 'child' for VA purposes and her argument that she personally incurred expenses was not supported by evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents in Korea and therefore presumed to have been exposed. As a result, his condition is considered presumptively related to such exposure.

The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits was dismissed as the appeal is not about service connection, but rather the initial determination of eligibility. The decision cannot be granted due to the Veteran's death prior to final approval.

The Veteran's somatic symptom disorder is due to or the result of his service-connected disabilities, specifically irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. The Board has found the evidence in equipoise, granting service connection for the condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for arthralgic sacroiliac joint disorder and cervicothoracic segmental dysfunction, finding that the VA examinations were inadequate and that secondary service connection was reasonably raised by the evidence of record.

The Veteran passed away during the appeal process, and as a result, the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's dependent child, J.R., is recognized as permanently incapable of self-support prior to reaching the age of 18. The Board has found that this condition remains valid and grants recognition for J.R. as a dependent child.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's CAD, which is presumed due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), and also grants service connection for his atrial fibrillation as secondary to his now-service-connected CAD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's acute myelogenous leukemia, which was presumed to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange during service. The AOJ is instructed to seek an opinion from a medical specialist on whether it is more likely than not that the condition occurred in or is related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's ostomy/stoma status post removal of rectum and anus was deemed necessary due to his service-connected lung cancer, as treatment with Remicade could have caused his lung cancer to recur or spread.

The Veteran's service-connected pleural plaques of the chest/lungs are rated 0 percent (noncompensable) under Diagnostic Code 6845. The Board finds that a VA medical opinion is needed to clarify inconsistent pulmonary function test results and assign an appropriate disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death and dismissed the appeal regarding SMC based on the need for aid and attendance for the surviving spouse.

The Veteran's RSD of the right leg and foot is already service connected as part of her existing disability, so the claim for separate service connection has been dismissed.