Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hand tremor and chronic respiratory disability due to inadequate medical opinions regarding exposure to toxic chemicals during service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for PVD of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted at 40 percent from June 26, 2006 through April 23, 2015. Ratings higher than 40 percent are denied prior to April 24, 2017 and higher than 60 percent as of that date.,The Veteran's PVD has progressed such that a rating higher than 40 percent is granted from April 24, 2017.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his inguinal hernia repair right side was denied. The Board also found that a separate 10 percent rating is warranted for ilioinguinal neuralgia, which is a residual of the inguinal hernia repair.,Service connection for left inguinal pain remains pending and needs further examination.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a special monthly pension (SMP) based on the Veteran’s need for aid and attendance, finding that November 8, 2013 is the earliest possible effective date due to the reopening of the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for blurry vision, finding that there was no evidence linking his current eye disability to his military service. The Board also found no presumptive basis for service connection due to exposure in Southwest Asia.

The Board has denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis, finding no evidence of in-service disease or exposure to herbicide agents. The case is remanded for further development regarding ischemic heart disease.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral artery disease, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his active military service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete record, requiring further development including a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's right-hand disability.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's genital herpes disability is rated at the highest schedular rating available, a 60 percent rating, since October 29, 2010.

The Veteran's corneal erosions with keratopathy do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as they do not cause visual impairment, have not resulted in any incapacitating episodes, and are not manifested by characteristics of disfigurement.

The Board has determined that the matter is not ripe for appellate review due to procedural issues and remands both claims of increased apportionment of VA compensation benefits on behalf of the Veteran's daughter, S.G., and an earlier effective date.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development regarding service connection for a heart condition, specifically atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and surgical repair of type A dissection. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam is under review, as well as his exposure to black oil and/or jet fuels (JP5 and JP8) or asbestos.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as an additional VA medical opinion is needed. The appellant contends that VA failed to diagnose and treat her husband's vitamin B12 deficiency, which led to permanent damage of his cells/nerves and caused or aggravated his dementia, leading to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and joint disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the character of the Appellant's discharge was not dishonorable, thus not a bar to VA benefits. The issue is referred back for further adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 7, 2008 for service connection of a right hand disability was denied as there is no evidence that the Veteran filed a formal or informal claim before this date.

The Board denied the Veteran's son's claim for recognition as a 'helpless child' due to insufficient evidence showing permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining age 18, based on his respiratory and mental disabilities.

The appeal for TDIU benefits is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.