Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the cause of death and the nature and etiology of the Veteran's supranuclear ophthalmoplegia, which is related to presumed exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip arthritis did not onset in service or within one year of his separation from service, and is not related to any service-connected condition. Therefore, service connection for this disability cannot be granted.

The Veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of the overpayment of compensation benefits in the amount of $37,332.67 is timely and the appeal is remanded to adjudicate the issue.

The Veteran's benefits are apportioned to the appellant in the amount of the dependency allowance for each dependent child from the Veteran’s VA disability compensation benefits, on behalf of K.N.C. and K.T.C. prior to May 23, 2015 and December [REDACTED], 2018, respectively.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for ocular histoplasmosis was granted, with the effective date set at February 10, 2006. The rating has been increased to 40 percent from March 25, 2013 to December 19, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood is remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is currently rated based on knee manifestations, but the Board notes that his disability affects all of his joints. The RO should consider all applicable diagnostic codes to determine which is/are most appropriate for the Veteran’s disability and schedule an examination to assess the current severity of his Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and active service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish secondary service connection due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee is rated at 20 percent, and a separate 10 percent rating for slight instability is granted.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for skin rash and left lower extremity disorder, as well as the claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD from July 6, 2011 to April 9, 2014 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The Board also remanded the issue of TDIU prior to July 6, 2011.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for left tarsal bone arthritis, effective October 28, 2009. The claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) is remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with anxious mood, is found to be related to his combat experiences during service in Vietnam. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's emergency medical services at West Virginia University Hospital were approved as they met the criteria for payment under VA regulations, including being treated in an emergency department and due to a condition that would have been hazardous if delayed.

The Board has determined that the issue of apportionment of the Veteran’s VA compensation benefits to the appellant, on behalf of their child C.B., is not ripe for appellate review due to procedural issues. The case involves a simultaneously contested claim and requires full compliance with special procedural regulations.

The Board denied an apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits on behalf of his child due to insufficient evidence showing financial hardship or inadequate support from the Veteran.

The Veteran's liver cancer and esophageal carcinoma are not service-connected.,The cause of death was listed as hepatic failure due to metastatic liver cancer, which is unrelated to the Veteran's service.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of VA benefits, given that they were married for more than a year prior to the Veteran's death in 1972 and there is no indication of remarriage since then.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The appeal was not about service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the surviving spouse was entitled to nonservice-connected death pension benefits at the aid and attendance rate, which is a form of accrued benefits as reimbursement for the expense of last sickness and burial of the Veteran’s deceased spouse.

The Board dismissed the appeal for entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance as the appellant requested a withdrawal of the appeal.