Other conditions Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's polycythemia is likely related to his smoking and not service-connected. The issue of dizziness is also denied as it is linked to nonservice-connected phlebotomies.

The Veteran's death was caused by a massive gastrointestinal bleed, which was due to negligence on the part of VA in not providing prophylactic treatment with H-2 blockers or proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). The Board finds that this constitutes service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that the appellant's multiple violations of military law resulted in a discharge under conditions other than honorable, and thus his character of service is a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's shortness of breath disability.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen her service connection for cause of death due to mustard gas/Lewisite exposure, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Veteran's service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil and left lateral tongue, status post radical neck dissections, tonsillectomy and left partial glossectomy prior to June 10, 2009, resulted in a combined rating of 80 percent. The Board granted an initial noncompensable (0%) disability rating for the service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil and left lateral tongue, status post radical neck dissections, tonsillectomy and left partial glossectomy prior to June 10, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service department records and VA/SSA records, as well as an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between her service-connected PTSD and alcohol dependence.

The Board has determined that service connection for hyperlipidemia cannot be granted as it is a laboratory finding and not a disability. The claims of service connection for hypertension, bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, arthralgia of the right shoulder, left shoulder, and spine, skin disorder of the chest, sides, shoulders, and neck have all been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board finds that the perforated sigmoid colon following the November 7, 2006 VA colonoscopy was not proximately caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA. The Veteran's perforation was a reasonably foreseeable event.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left foot disorders, including hallux limitus and 1st metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis, are causally related to his military service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a Social and Industrial Survey.

The appeal is being remanded due to the appellant's failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA benefits as he did not have qualifying service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and considering referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.

The appellant does not have any service-connected disability, and therefore, is not eligible for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a psychiatric and general medical examination to assess his disabilities.

The Board has determined that the removal of former spouse M. as a dependent was proper, and an effective date of August [redacted], 2004 for the addition of current spouse D. as a dependent is granted.

The Appellant is not eligible for VA death benefits as the Veteran's child due to her age and status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis due to Agent Orange exposure and for nonservice-connected pension. The Veteran did not meet the requirements for both benefits.