Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for lupus and service connection for anemia secondary to dysphagia. The Veteran's claims are pending further development.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for right elbow epicondylitis due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including an examination to assess the extent of functional loss during flare-ups and after repeated use.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to December 16, 2016.

The appeal was dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection of bilateral eye disability, as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied service connection for substance abuse as it was not incurred in line of duty due to the Veteran's own willful misconduct involving alcohol and drug use.

The Veteran's initial increased disability rating for IVDS, in excess of 20 percent, is denied. The reduction in the rating from 20% to 10% was restored as it did not impact his overall compensation and actual improvement in function was found.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the cause of death, specifically addressing all service-connected disabilities and medications used to treat them.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of residuals of a left eye cataract as there is no competent medical evidence supporting his current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for memory loss (claimed as dementia) and remanded the issue of bilateral hip disorder.

The Board has determined that the appellant meets the criteria to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA benefits purposes, despite a lengthy separation prior to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current blood disability, including anemia, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings in excess of 40 percent for lymphedema of both lower extremities, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7121.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.