Other conditions Board decisions

The Board denied the claim for service connection of neck and back disabilities, finding that there was no clear link between the current conditions and the in-service motor vehicle accident.

The VA determined that the Veteran's nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board agreed with this determination.

The Board has ordered additional development to ensure a complete record is available for the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of her husband's death, which was attributed to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development needed, including obtaining private treatment records from Dr. Crutchfield.

The Board found the apportionment of $100 per month per child was warranted, as it did not cause undue financial hardship to the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bladder and bowel incontinence is not related to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore denies both direct and secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for an audit of the Veteran's account to determine if the full amount of special separation benefits ($32,844.69) was paid and how much was recouped by VA, with a focus on post-tax amounts.

The appellant requested a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals, but failed to attend. The case is being remanded for scheduling a personal hearing at her local RO.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a respiratory impairment that he asserts began during his most recent period of active service. The VA examiner concluded the Veteran likely has obstructive sleep apnea, but no related complaints or treatment are documented in his service records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to decide the claim of entitlement to VA nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to confusion regarding financial information and dependent children status.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the issue of entitlement to service connection for PUD, claimed as secondary to medication prescribed for his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn's disease, finding that new evidence supports a reopening of the claim. The Board then determined that service connection is warranted based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's March 2010 total hysterectomy is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and treatment records to determine if the surgery was related to her service-connected ovarian cysts or nonservice-connected uterine fibroids.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected foot disabilities and back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private medical records and attempting to obtain additional VA records. The Veteran's cause of death claim remains on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's mood disorder has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The Board finds that the current 50 percent disability evaluation adequately reflects his condition.

The Veteran's right hip arthritis, post-replacement, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation benefits based on recognition of a dependent spouse was denied as the evidence was not received within one year from notification of the rating action.