Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's right thumb disability, characterized by ankylosis of the MCP joint and decreased motion in the IP joint, is currently rated at 20 percent. This rating reflects the combination of ankylosis and functional impairment.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for bilateral saddle pulmonary embolus from 60 to 30 percent, effective November 1, 2010, was proper based on improvement in the disability and the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits as she is not a proper claimant and there were no accrued benefits due to her mother at the time of her death.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the appellant. The RO should consider this evidence and readjudicate the claim of entitlement to recognition as a 'helpless child' on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining age 18.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a bilateral eye disability and granted it, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition worsened during his deployment to Vietnam. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the January 2007 rating decision is not new and material, and thus does not serve to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral hand disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for herpes simplex is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of his condition and determine if any scars are related. The current rating under Diagnostic Code 7820 does not account for unstable or painful scars, which would require a different code.

The Veteran does not have a chronic right hand disability, including arthritis, and the claim is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability is rated at 40 percent since June 20, 2012. The claim for TDIU from December 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009 was dismissed due to the grant of SMC. For the period beginning on December 1, 2009, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board videoconference hearing. The initial rating for chronic adjustment disorder with depressed mood remains at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral eye disability, specifically photophobia, is service-connected. However, presbyopia was not found to be related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear overpayment calculation and need for further audit of benefits received.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's subarachnoid cyst of the left temporal lobe is not related to service or caused by his service-connected lipomas, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a failure to satisfy the statutory duty to assist the Veteran in developing his claim. The Veteran's immune deficiency condition is being reviewed, along with its onset and relationship to service exposure.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining additional treatment records and scheduling a VA compensation examination.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Veteran is not eligible for educational assistance under Chapter 1606, Title 10, United States Code due to his eligibility being permanently terminated after he was discharged from an earlier six-year contract in December 1992.

The Veteran was awarded a 10 percent evaluation for an adherent scar on his left wrist due to shell fragment wounds, including the compound comminuted fracture of the left ulna and muscle damage. The claim for service connection remains pending.

The Board found that osteoporosis is not related to service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were granted, with the effective dates being February 22, 2001, and May 1, 2009 respectively. The decision did not address service connection or exposure basis.