Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be due to his service-connected tracheostomy scar, which complicated intubation and caused aspiration pneumonia with hypercapnic and hypoxic respiratory failure. The Board granted DIC benefits based on this determination.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied in August 2014, and the effective date of January 30, 2017, is upheld as it falls within one year after the receipt of his application.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a prostate disability due to insufficient reasoning in the January 2023 decision and lack of substantial compliance with prior remand orders. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining another medical opinion that considers the Veteran's report of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is being remanded due to potential exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam-era service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to his idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which he contends was caused by herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam. The appeal is also remanded for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's additional disability (presumably blood clots) was caused by or reasonably foreseeable as an ordinary risk of the medication provided by VA.

The Board has found that the remand directives were not substantially complied with and thus another remand is warranted for further development regarding service connection for degenerative joint disease with spondylosis status post L5-S1 fusion, as well as mental health condition including insomnia disorder.

The Veteran's initial rating for intervertebral disc syndrome, status post L5-S1 fusion with associated lumbago is granted at a 40 percent effective August 28, 2014. The higher rating request for IVDS and left leg radiculopathy are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient clarification from the previous medical opinion regarding the Veteran's symptoms during service and their relation to his death. The claim will be reconsidered with additional evidence considered.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, who died in October 2022. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the claim as it is moot.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral metatarsalgia and neuritis, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right index finger fracture prior to April 13, 2018, finding that the evidence supported this rating due to painful motion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information provided by the Veteran regarding his eligibility for a waiver of overpayment. The Veteran was not given an opportunity to submit a completed VA Form 5655, which is required for determining financial hardship.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is denied as she was not enrolled in a course within 120 days before its closure.

The Board has granted service connection for multinodular goiter due to herbicide exposure and for osteoporosis as secondary to the service-connected multinodular goiter, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran needs further medical opinions from an independent orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon regarding his left heel disability and left leg length discrepancy.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and will ensure that the Appellant's correct mailing address is verified. The AOJ must also provide information on how to appoint a VA power of attorney, send the Appellant new letters asking for specific expenses details, and readjudicate her claim for death pension benefits.

The Board has determined that a new comprehensive opinion is necessary to ensure an informed decision on the issue of service connection for skin conditions, as well as compliance with VA's duty to assist. The matter is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions addressing causation and aggravation. The issues include bilateral pes planus, left knee condition, right knee condition, left hip condition, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for limitation of extension and abduction of the right and left thighs prior to August 4, 2020.