Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's request to recognize D.A. Jr., D.A., and K.O. as his dependent children for VA purposes due to lack of legal adoption or stepchild status, despite having custody and guardianship.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including traumatic arthritis with meniscal tear and instability, is rated at 20 percent effective from May 20, 2016. The rating for flexion limitation has been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity venous insufficiency did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms were consistent with intermittent edema and constant pain at rest, which relieved by elevation of extremity. The Board found no evidence of persistent edema or ulceration.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw it before a decision was made.

The Veteran's major neurocognitive disorder was denied as it did not have its onset in service or for many years thereafter and is unrelated to service, including an in-service head injury.,The Veteran's tongue cancer was denied as it did not have its onset in service or for many years thereafter and is unrelated to service, including presumed in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for episodic lightheadedness and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, claimed as jaw pain, are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The AOJ is instructed to provide a neurological examination to determine if the Veteran's lightheadedness/dizziness began during or is otherwise related to service. Additionally, an addendum opinion regarding whether the TMJ syndrome began during service and was caused by his service-connected disabilities will be required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has been denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis or treatment record of UTIs during the appeal period. For the Skin Disability, the claim has been remanded as VA examination and nexus opinion are needed due to potential exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's right great toe disability is related to the August 6, 2019 debridement procedure at the Tampa VAMC and whether it was caused by VA carelessness or negligence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's irregular menstrual cycle may be related to her service-connected PTSD, but more evidence is needed to determine if it was aggravated by the PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left foot disability and entitlement to a 10 percent rating for hypertension. The Board found no current left foot disability, but granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension based on a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for payment of non-VA medical care provided by ASC on August 27, 2020, July 30, 2020, August 13, 2020, and September 3, 2020 as there is no longer a case or controversy to decide.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 100 percent for his service-connected adenocarcinoma of the colon, status post right hemicolectomy, is denied. The issue of special monthly compensation (SMC) due to aid and attendance is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for esophageal cancer, finding that his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam is at least as likely as not related to his diagnosed condition.

The appeal for payment or reimbursement of non-VA services provided on August 26, 2020 is dismissed as the Veteran has already received the benefit sought.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pleural plaques related to asbestos exposure is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board granted an effective date of September 22, 2017 for the award of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The appeal for apportionment of the Veteran's VA benefits to the Appellant on behalf of R.C.L. is remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board dismissed the appeal as there was no longer a case or controversy for decision due to VHA overturning its initial denial and approving the non-VA medical care provided by ASC on October 7, 2020.