Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection of chronic diarrhea, urinary incontinence, and right hand tremors are granted. The claim for an increased disability rating to 100% for PTSD with agoraphobia is granted from November 19, 2017 to November 19, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary arteriosclerosis and high-grade B-cell lymphoma, both presumed to be due to herbicide agent exposure during his active duty in Thailand, are granted. The effective date is not specified as the decision is based on presumptive service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion from a gastroenterologist regarding the Veteran's hiatal hernia, addressing its cause and aggravation by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right hip disability is rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion, and the RO has granted a separate 10 percent rating for impairment of the thigh. The initial ratings for both conditions are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hodgkin's Disease and multiple myeloma, including as due to herbicide agent exposure, is denied. The Board found no evidence of herbicide agent exposure during service and insufficient evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the September 2023 remand requests and has therefore ordered further development for both peripheral nerve disability and eye disability claims.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient verification of the Appellant's late husband's service records and a lack of inpatient treatment records from Camp Blanding for mental health conditions. The AOJ is required to attempt further verification, document all steps taken, and provide a formal finding if service cannot be confirmed.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being submitted after the issuance of a supplemental statement of the case but before certification of the appeal. The Veteran's request for waiver of recovery of overpaid VA pension benefits is on hold until further action.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left fifth finger condition was denied as he failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. The VA is required to provide a disability examination and medical nexus opinion as part of the PACT Act.

The Veteran's right great toe injury is granted an increased rating of 30 percent, effective April 9, 2007. TDIU from April 9, 2007 to April 23, 2007 is also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases of generalized arthritis and inguinal hernia for further development to address the nature and etiology of these conditions, including their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and chest pain, as well as his claim for TDIU prior to December 22, 2017. Additional medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorder and mesothelioma, including exposure to asbestos and herbicide agents. The claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of his right eye cataract due to a lack of a VA examination and failure to respond to requests for information. The Veteran is not entitled to a TERA examination as diseases of the eye have no positive association with herbicide exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for accrued benefits and payment of a higher level of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1311 as the appellant withdrew her appeal at the February 2024 hearing.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to acute ethanol and heroin intoxication, which the Board found to be related to his service-connected substance abuse issues. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death based on the evidence showing a pattern of chronic substance use that began during service.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that she did not file a claim or intent to file a claim prior to July 10, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema and thoracic strain (claimed as back disability) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, depressive type, is related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition.