Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the etiology of the Veteran's leukemia, which she claims is related to chemical exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip disability, including total hip replacement, is not service-connected as it was aggravated by a stress fracture during INACDUTRA in 2011. The pre-existing condition of femoral neck and shaft fractures from a 2007 motor vehicle accident did not worsen due to the 2011 stress fracture.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral eye disabilities, including glaucoma, to include as secondary to a PKR surgery. The remand is due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for in-service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining clarification regarding the onset of gout and completing a VA Form 21-8940 to assess employment history.

The Board has remanded the cases for compliance with prior directives to obtain VA treatment records, specifically ophthalmology notes and informed consent documents from VISTA imaging system. The issues of service connection for left tibia-fibula fracture and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability of both eyes are inextricably intertwined with the need to obtain these records.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the Appellant, as claims do not survive their deaths. The case is closed and no compensation will be awarded.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA benefits was not properly created and is remanding for further action to determine if a waiver of the debt is warranted due to hardship.

The Veteran's non-service-connected pension benefits with SMP were granted for specific periods, and the Board found that the Veteran met the criteria for higher amounts of pension benefits in some cases. The AOJ awarded lower amounts than what was determined by the Board.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions regarding a liver disability and its relationship to service-connected conditions, obesity, or medication.

The Veteran's VR&E services request for additional education in pursuit of a Master's Degree in Strategic Communication is being remanded due to concerns about the competitive disadvantage caused by his service-connected disabilities and serious employment handicap.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coccidiomycosis, mini-strokes secondary to coccidiomycosis, and meningitis secondary to coccidiomycosis. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for left leg distal fibula fracture and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has decided that the Appellant's character of discharge claim should be reconsidered due to new service records, and a hearing request clarification is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's loss of sense of smell is at least as likely as not related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a pulmonary disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's jaw disability prior to August 26, 2020, did not meet the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation as his interincisal range was between 30 and 34 millimeters without dietary restrictions. The appeal is denied.

The appellant is not recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse due to a legal divorce in the 1990s, and there was no common law marriage established.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for alcohol use disorder as secondary to PTSD and for liver cancer, status post liver transplant, as aggravated by both PTSD and alcohol use disorder.