Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal of nonservice-connected pension benefits was dismissed because the same appeal was previously addressed in a prior decision.

The Board has granted service connection for inclusive body myositis, finding that it is related to the Veteran's conceded in-service exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). The decision is based on the Veteran's diagnosis and the VA examiner's opinion linking the condition to his military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal for entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound as the Veteran withdrew the appeal prior to a decision.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a respiratory condition to satisfy the VA's duty to assist by obtaining a medical examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's rib condition is related to her service, specifically her diagnosis of bronchitis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his left varicocele, finding that there is no evidence of significant functional impairment or other service-connected conditions related to this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding herbicide exposure and its relation to the Veteran's cause of death. The Appellant submitted a private medical opinion linking the Veteran's pancreatic cancer to his in-service exposure to 'rainbow herbicides,' including Agent Blue, which is chemically derived from arsenic. However, the Board found these opinions inadequate and requested additional clarification.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip strain and left hip strain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tendinitis as there is no current disability of tendinitis.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for cause of death, DIC, and accrued benefits are denied as there is no new and relevant evidence submitted within one year of the December 2017 decision.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified sleep wake disorder is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective May 23, 2021. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms most closely approximated the level associated with a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for status post, stomach cancer removal in a June 2019 rating decision was clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to Agent Orange exposure during service.

The Board has received new and relevant evidence to readjudicate the claim for service connection of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The case is remanded for further review by the AOJ.

The Veteran's application for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship was denied because she did not have qualifying service to be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits under Chapter 33, which is a requirement for eligibility for VA educational assistance benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sternum pain was denied because there was no current disability to connect to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an examination and potential exposure verification, as well as the need for clarification on service connection theory.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dependency benefits was denied as he did not submit the necessary documentation within one year of his marriage and failed to file a request for extension under VA policy letter 20-02.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for dependency benefits were also denied, as he did not provide the required information about his spouse and stepchildren within one year of their status changes.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, finding that she did not respond within the required 60-day period to elect a start date. The effective date remains March 15, 2021.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 60 percent for recurrent UTI, finding that the Veteran's symptoms include urinary leakage requiring absorbent materials changed more than four times per day. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Lyme disease was incurred during his military service and granted service connection for this condition.