Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his other specified trauma-stressor-related disorder is being remanded due to a failure to obtain a new examination following the submission of additional treatment records indicating worsening symptoms.

The Board found that the calculation for the Veteran's nonservice-connected disability pension benefits for calendar year 2019 was proper and denied his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for vitiligo, finding that the Veteran's current condition had its onset during active duty. Service connection was denied for a left arm disability secondary to his service-connected shoulder disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of relevant evidence and decision details, including VA medical records and treatment at TMC.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of relevant evidence and decision details, including VA medical records and treatment at TMC.

The appeal for terminating the Veteran's nonservice-connected pension benefits is dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate this matter as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for exclusion of his child's income from countable income for pension purposes is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Board needs to conduct further development, including notifying the Veteran and obtaining necessary financial information.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of relevant evidence and decision details, including VA medical records and treatment at TMC.

The Board dismissed the claim for reimbursement of non-VA medical services because advance authorization was needed but not obtained, and this denial was issued in error as previously authorized by Syracuse VAMC.

The Board dismissed the appeal of SMC based on aid and attendance and housebound status as it is not an initial decision under the AMA, and thus does not have jurisdiction over this issue.

The Veteran's remains were unclaimed, and the funeral home incurred $712.50 in transportation expenses for his burial in a national cemetery. The Board granted reimbursement of these expenses.

The Board has granted an extension of the delimiting date for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits to December 13, 2019, but no later.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bruxism is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and supplemental opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for dermatomyositis, finding that there is not enough evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's remains were not interred in a national cemetery, so reimbursement of burial transportation expenses is denied. The appellant has been paid the maximum plot or interment allowance available under the pertinent statute and there is no legal basis to award a higher amount, so the appellant's claim for a greater plot or interment allowance is denied. The nonservice-connected burial allowance is granted because the Veteran was in receipt of VA compensation at the time of his death and died while receiving hospice care at a VA medical facility.

The Board has determined that the matter is not ripe for appellate review due to procedural issues and has ordered a remand to ensure the Veteran receives a copy of the December 2020 apportionment decision.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits due to a lack of continuous cohabitation prior to his death.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right mandible fracture and missing teeth due to lack of sufficient evidence. The Veteran's right mandible fracture is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but further examination may be needed to determine if higher ratings are warranted. For his missing teeth, there is no evidence that they resulted from the in-service trauma.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing left eye condition worsened during service.