Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence and for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's mid back strain has not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. Therefore, his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for a compensable rating for his left inguinal hernia and service connection for his right inguinal hernia were denied as the evidence did not support the claims.

The Board has determined that arthritis of the right hip is etiologically related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The remaining issues of service connection and increased ratings will be addressed in separate decisions.

The Veteran's cholecystitis and post-operative residuals of gallbladder removal have been granted service connection. However, his right knee disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's cause of death, myocardial infarction, is related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's cause of death, acute myelogenous leukemia, is found to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicides. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, which includes hammer toes of the left foot, hallux valgus of the left foot, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. The Board has remanded the case to obtain an updated VA examination that addresses all diagnosed foot disorders and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for vocal cord dysfunction/laryngeal dyskinesia resulting from VA treatment in 2006 was denied as there is no evidence of additional disability caused by the procedures.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dermatological disorder of the feet is not service-connected, and therefore denied his claim for service connection. Additionally, he was found to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disability (proposed but ultimately denied), resulting in a denial on this issue as well.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral uveitis did not develop in service and is not etiologically related to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's tendinosis of the infraspinatus tendon in both shoulders has been rated at 40 percent since September 1, 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for clarification on the etiology of any post-service gastrointestinal disability and a new VA examination is needed to determine if any current gastrointestinal disability is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neurological stuttering is a direct result of his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's stroke and its residuals are the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment in the amount of $31,679.60 due to lack of fraud, misrepresentation or bad faith on his part and because collection would not be against equity and good conscience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right and left elbow medial epicondylitis do not warrant initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to incomplete information regarding the overpayment created by the reduction of disability compensation benefits as a result of the Veteran's incarceration.

The Board found that the appellant did not sustain a back injury during his qualifying service and denied service connection for low back disability.