Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the medical evidence does not support a finding that his myelodysplastic syndrome was related to active service or any other exposure basis.

The Veteran's surviving spouse submitted a petition to reopen her claim for DIC benefits in October 2009. The VA awarded the claim effective October 27, 2009. There is no legal basis for an earlier effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TMJ dysfunction does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, as his inter-incisal range is between 11 to 20 millimeters, which falls within the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability was dismissed as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis is found to be related to his service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim to revoke forfeiture of benefits is denied as there is no new and material evidence submitted.

The Veteran's Barrett's esophagus is related to his active service, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition. The issue of a compensable evaluation for bilateral otitis externa will be remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to accurately calculate the monthly non-service-connected death pension payment for the Veteran's surviving spouse, including obtaining information about her income and expenses.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current orthopedic and neurological manifestations of his service-connected dorsal spine contusion with narrowing of T3-4.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim. The issues on appeal are whether he should receive an increased rating for varicose veins of the left lower extremity and whether he qualifies for TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's death was caused by sepsis due to VA carelessness in failing to obtain proper consent prior to treatment, which is a direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's status post umbilical hernia repair and injury to the inguinal area, finding that it is related to his active military service. The other issues remain pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current groin condition is not related to his service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU, finding that his hiatal hernia with diverticulitis does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral fifth toe hammertoe deformities with recurrent painful corns and calluses are rated at 10 percent, the maximum available rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's skin disability, including basal cell carcinoma, was not incurred in service and is not presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found the VA examiner's opinion adequate as it considered all procurable and assembled data.

The Board denied reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred at St. Luke's Clinic-Idaho Cardiology Associates on January 21, 2013, as the treatment was not included in prior authorized visits and VA provided continuous follow-up care for the Veteran's condition.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting an examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's heart valve condition is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically hypertension and PTSD.