Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for left eye conditions and service connection, to include on a secondary basis, for any other eye disorder. The VA must obtain all relevant medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of diagnosed eye disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance and/or housebound status has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of nexus between the Veteran's cause of death and active service, but will consider whether exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam was a contributory or principal cause of death.

The Veteran's cause of death and salivary gland/duct adenocarcinoma with soft tissue and diffuse skeletal metastasis were not service-connected. The Board found that the cancer was a second cancer unrelated to his prostate cancer, and there was no causal link between the two conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an examination evaluating the nature and etiology of the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma, which may be related to in-service UV ray exposure. The RO must schedule the Veteran for an appropriate medical examination.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a skin rash, claimed as jungle rot, to include as due to exposure to herbicide agents, due to discrepancies in the rationale provided by the VA examiner.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acid peptic ulcer disease with duodenal ulcer and gastrointestinal reaction (claimed as nervous stomach), finding that it was pre-existed his service and aggravated by service. The condition is rated at a 10 percent disability level.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of information regarding whether the late-appellant was insane at the time of his discharge, which is necessary for determining if his service can be considered honorable and thus eligible for VA benefits. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary due to inadequate development of evidence regarding service connection for bilateral eye disabilities and a left eye disability under U.S.C. §1151.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a need for further medical evaluation and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's esophageal varices and hepatic steatosis and his active duty service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for Bell’s palsy and associated eye conditions due to inconsistencies in previous examination reports and the need for further clarification of her symptoms. The Veteran is also seeking extraschedular consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service was honorable for VA purposes and dismissed the issue of whether their character of discharge is a bar to receiving VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the claim for a skin disorder of the face due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether it is related to service. The Veteran claims his conditions are linked to sun exposure in Iraq.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The left knee disability was granted a 60 percent evaluation beginning June 1, 2018, and a 30 percent evaluation prior to that date. The right knee disability received a 60 percent evaluation beginning April 1, 2018, and a 30 percent evaluation prior to that date. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a 20 percent rating effective January 28, 2020. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy received a 20 percent rating effective January 28, 2020. The femoral nerve disability received a 20 percent rating effective January 28, 2020. TDIU was granted beginning May 1, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability is denied. However, a separate noncompensable disability rating for status post left knee reconstruction with degenerative joint disease with limitation of extension is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and adjudication. The appellant seeks reimbursement for ambulance fees incurred on December 13, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for joint and muscle pain as due to undiagnosed illness, finding no objective indications of a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained multi-symptom illness.

The Board granted a disability rating of 50 percent for insomnia prior to December 18, 2019. From December 18, 2019 onwards, the Veteran's claim was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran died in March 2016 while under the care of a VA-contracted hospice organization at VA's expense. The Board granted nonservice-connected burial benefits based on this fact.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to surgeries conducted at a VA Medical Center is being remanded because additional records are needed and an independent medical opinion is required.