Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma is related to his active service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the cancer was caused by service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (leukemia) is remanded due to the lack of evidence confirming his exposure to toxins and/or asbestosis during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for defective bilateral vision, including as secondary to his service-connected headaches, is being remanded due to a duty to assist error and the need for an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of 30 percent for residuals of left salpingectomy is granted. The appeals for higher ratings for sinusitis and migraine headaches are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorder and TDIU as a result of service-connected disabilities. The Board found no evidence linking her current skin condition to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by loss of balance due to inadequate examination and lack of identification of a diagnosed condition. The Veteran is also denied on appeal regarding her claims for other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a gallbladder disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right eye chronic posttraumatic conjunctivitis is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the July 2016 VA examination. The examiner did not address the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conjunctivitis and his 2013 episode of temporary vision loss, nor did they provide an opinion on any visual field defect.

The Board has decided that more evidence is needed to make a full and fair decision regarding the reimbursement or payment for pension benefits at the aid and attendance rate prior to the Veteran’s death. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral patellofemoral syndrome is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for glioblastoma multiforme, a current diagnosis at the time of death. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for right knee disability is remanded due to outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's nephropathy was granted an increased disability evaluation of 80 percent effective October 21, 2019. The previous evaluations were denied.

The Board denied service connection for a left index finger disability because the injury occurred during state active duty, not federalized National Guard service.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for additional dependency compensation for M.B. and G.B. was denied due to lack of evidence received within a year of their birth.,L.B.'s claim for an earlier effective date for additional dependency compensation was also denied as no written submission establishing her status as the Veteran’s child prior to March 15, 2016, was received.

The Veteran's initial ratings for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome of the right and left upper extremities were granted, with a rating in excess of 10 percent for each side prior to August 27, 2015. The effective date was set at August 27, 2015. Ratings in excess of 30 percent or 20 percent are denied for the right and left upper extremities respectively.