Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to new evidence received by VA. The AOJ must readjudicate the claim, considering all pertinent evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's claimed right hand and left hand disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The appeal for service connection for arthritis in the fingers of the left hand is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death, and the case is now closed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether any of the Veteran's contended complications are actually complications of his left ear otitis media and externa. The AOJ must also analyze if an extraschedular rating is needed.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for gout of the left and right great toes have been denied.,For the period prior to July 31, 2017, the Veteran's initial disability rating for gout of the left knee has been granted at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left hand disability is being remanded due to the need for further development and evidence.

The Board has determined that a timely substantive appeal was filed to the March 2012 Statement of the Case regarding the appellant's claim for an apportionment of the Veteran’s VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current heart disability, specifically his right bundle branch block. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine if he currently suffers from a heart disability and whether it is related to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant became permanently incapable of self-support prior to age 18, based on evidence showing significant developmental and intellectual issues from childhood.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes, based on clear and convincing evidence of a common-law marriage prior to their official marriage in October 2014.

The Veteran's residuals of abdominal GSW have been granted a 30 percent disability rating, effective February 25, 2015. The deep nonlinear scar and painful linear scars associated with the condition are not rated higher.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for hairy cell leukemia from 100% to 30%, effective July 1, 2018, was proper.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development and examination, including a VA hand examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for TMJ dysfunction, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% evaluation for residuals of left facial nerve loss status post acoustic neuroma, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that there had been an increase in disability one year prior to his July 2014 claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for both left and right inguinal hernias, finding that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of preexisting conditions or aggravation during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam and whether he was exposed to herbicide agents. The claim will be further developed to determine these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), finding that there was no evidence linking CML to his military service or any incident therein, including exposure to herbicide agents and/or other hazardous materials.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility to receive educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is granted as she revoked her Chapter 30 eligibility and made an irrevocable election for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.