Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has granted a higher 100 percent rating for the Veteran's aortic aneurysm, which is currently 5 centimeters or larger in diameter and symptomatic.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed right hand disorder, including right hand pain. The Veteran's service treatment records show reported right hand pain in 2012, and post-service treatment records reflect continued reports of right hand pain and flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral pharynx (formerly right tonsil cancer) was granted, with the original denial being final. New evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim and establish direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied because his income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR).

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for left foot hallux valgus, status post-surgical repair is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of VA examination records.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits, which are based on a permanent, total service-connected disability. The Board has already remanded the issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU and is now instructing to readjudicate the Dependents’ Educational Assistance claim in light of any changes in the effective date for TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's arrhythmia and ICD are related to his service-connected PTSD. The VA is instructed to obtain an independent medical expert opinion on this matter.

The Veteran's son, R.C., was not eligible for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1815 because his mother did not serve in Vietnam and he does not have spina bifida.

The Veteran's hidradenitis is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left arm and hand numbness, finding no current disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to issues with the receipt of supplemental statements of the case. The main issue is whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the character of discharge claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of August 5, 2015, for additional dependency benefits due to his current spouse. The decision states that VA received notice of the marriage within a year of the event but does not consider it as a valid claim because the Veteran did not submit evidence of the marriage within one year of the event.

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

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee is being remanded due to a need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied recognition of the appellant as the surviving spouse of the Veteran due to a lack of continuous cohabitation prior to his death, despite their remaining married.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the appellant has a form or manifestation of spina bifida, other than spina bifida occulta. A VA examination is needed to clarify this.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his fatal heart conditions and military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's lichen planus of the right lower extremity may be related to her service-connected disabilities, but more evidence is needed for a definitive determination.

The Veteran's skin disorders and bilateral upper and lower extremity conditions are being remanded for further development, including locating VA treatment records prior to April 2011 and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran's debt was waived, and thus the issue of retroactive reduction of his disability compensation benefits is moot.