Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date earlier than February 25, 2022 for the award of a 40 percent rating for his service-connected cubital tunnel syndrome. The evidence did not show that there was a factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to February 25, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for essential thrombocythemia or primary myelofibrosis was denied as there is no evidence of an earlier effective date due to the PACT Act, and the conditions are not covered by the PACT Act.

The Veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaption grant due to his service-connected disabilities and lack of anatomical loss or severe burn injury.

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

The Veteran's eligibility for benefits under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is remanded due to a conclusory and unexplained medical determination. The Board requires a more detailed and thoroughly explained medical opinion regarding personal care services needs.

The Board has granted service connection for conjunctivitis, finding that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the condition began during or is otherwise related to active service. The Veteran's statements and medical records support his claim of recurrent episodes since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the amount of medical expenses incurred from July 27 to July 31, 2010, at Albany Medical Center Hospital. The Veteran is invited to submit evidence detailing the amount paid that is alleged due for reimbursement.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cholecystitis due to cholelithiasis s/p laparoscopic cholecystectomy, finding that it was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period. The Board concluded that the Veteran's gallstone condition and cholecystitis were unrelated to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the case due to a recent SSA decision, and requests that any relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records be obtained for the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's finger conditions, right and left hands, as claimed as trigger finger. The decision is based on credible lay evidence linking the current condition to active service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim for a bilateral hand disorder was granted. However, the claim itself remains denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty in regulations regarding who can apply for a Government-furnished headstone or grave marker, and because there are questions about the burial area where the appellant seeks to construct such a marker. The claim will be returned to the AOJ for further clarification and processing.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for exercise induced vasovagal syncope, finding that the Veteran's confirmed diagnosis and history of syncopal episodes meet the criteria under Diagnostic Code 8911.

The Veteran's neurologic disorder is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange, during his military service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for survivors' pension benefits due to her income exceeding the maximum annual pension rate, even though she required aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination and lack of proper opinion regarding service connection for a lung disability. The appellant's lung disability is related to his military service, but further clarification on direct service connection, presumptive service connection, and TERA exposures is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for essential tremor, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his military service and the condition. The Board also found that exposure to herbicide agents did not cause or aggravate his essential tremor.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70% for his acquired psychiatric disability, as well as the earlier effective date and TDIU claims, have all been denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as moot because he has a combined schedular rating of 100% for his service-connected disabilities, rendering him unemployable due to the combination of multiple conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors, including incomplete records and a need for VA examinations.