Other conditions Board decisions

The Board dismissed the appeal as the proposed withholding of VA benefits due to incarceration was not a final decision and the Veteran's disagreement with it did not place the issue in appellate status.

The Veteran's gallbladder removal and its residuals are being remanded for a VA medical opinion to determine if they are related to his exposure to burn pits and other toxins during service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's service connection for anemia as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease is granted. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the same disability is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's mother-in-law, B.S., is not recognized as his dependent parent for VA purposes due to her not being the natural mother or through adoption. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by supraspinatus tendinopathy and a rotator cuff injury, is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not support an increase to a higher rating as the range of motion limitations do not warrant such.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the VHA decision approving payment for non-VA care provided by Hurricane Valley Fire Rescue on May 11, 2021, is now moot since the claim was approved.

The Board found the VA medical examiner's opinions inadequate and remanded the case for further review.

The Board has denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for right hand strain, painful motion of the ring and little fingers, left hand strain, painful motion of the ring and little fingers, limitation of extension, right hip, and left hip strain. The Veteran's initial claims were filed on June 23, 2021.,The Board has also remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

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.