Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis is related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for esophageal varices is being remanded due to procedural errors and insufficient reasons and bases in the February 2022 rating decision. The Board finds that an adequate VA examination is needed, and all applicable diagnostic codes should be considered.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request from the appellant's authorized representative.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral foot condition due to incomplete development and lack of an adequate medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the January 2022 Fee Agreement is valid and grants the appeal for this matter.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for diverticulitis should be remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the initial decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right lower extremity reflex sympathetic syndrome (RSS) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of moderately severe or worse incomplete paralysis, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for additional dependency benefits for his biological child, F. E. A., after she turned age 18 based on her school attendance is granted.

The appeal is denied as the non-VA medical services provided on April 19, 2021 were not authorized by VA and thus no legal basis for payment exists.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's left inguinal hernia is related to service. The AOJ must provide an examination and obtain a medical opinion.

The appeal is dismissed because the appellant, Aegis Sciences Corporation, is a non-VA healthcare provider within the Veterans Community Care Program network and the payment process for services provided by such providers does not allow for review by the Board.

The Board denied the claim for payment of non-VA medical services provided on March 29, 2021 due to lack of VA authorization.

The Veteran's left hip bursitis tenosynovitis was rated at 10 percent for painful motion and limitation of flexion, but denied for limitations in extension and abduction/adduction/rotation. The Board found no evidence to support higher ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing records and incomplete notice, requiring further action by the AOJ.

The Board dismissed the appeal for retroactive DIC benefits as the appellant did not timely file a VA Form 10182 and good cause was not presented to accept her late filing.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of testicular torsion affecting the left testis is found to be related to service, and his claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an employment handicap, and therefore he is not entitled to VR&E benefits.

The Board has determined that the appeal is moot as the administrative action approving payment for non-VA ambulance transport provided on May 24, 2024, constitutes a reversal of the denial and grants the benefit sought.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of right tonsil cancer is denied as the evidence does not support the presence of stricture or obstruction of pharynx, absence of soft palate secondary to trauma, chemical burn, or granulomatous disease, or paralysis of soft palate with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) and speech impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and unclear etiology of his essential tremors. The Veteran contends that his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune caused his condition, but the VA does not have all of his private treatment records or a clear opinion on the matter.