Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left foot bone spur is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's Crohn's disease was initially rated at 30 percent from March 1, 2008 to March 5, 2011 and later rated at 60 percent starting from March 5, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for unintentional weight loss, increased rating for coronary artery disease prior to April 10, 2012, and a compensable rating for pulmonary hypertension with upper airway resistance syndrome and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 50 percent rating for his service-connected disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a decision on the Veteran's claims for service connection for right inguinal hernia and bilateral ear fungus. Specifically, Social Security Administration (SSA) records are required, as well as VA examinations regarding both issues.

The Board has determined that a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right little finger disability is not warranted based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA opinion on whether any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death or were related to his military service. The appellant is also being asked to provide information about her eligibility to be recognized as a substitute for the pending claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is being remanded for further examination and development as the May 2012 VA examination did not adequately address his current symptoms or provide a clear opinion regarding service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for essential tremor disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including ulcerative stomatitis, has been denied. The Board found no current disability and insufficient evidence to establish a link between the claimed disabilities and service.

The Veteran's post-operative residuals of the reconstruction of the right popliteal artery were evaluated at a 40 percent disability rating, which is the highest available under Diagnostic Code 7114. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher 60 percent rating as required by DC 7114.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development regarding whether the $3,000 overpayment was properly created and if so, whether a waiver of the debt should be granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver disability was not incurred in or related to service, including her anthrax vaccination. The VA examinations and opinions provided no evidence linking the current liver condition to active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected narcolepsy/sleep paralysis disorder is rated at 80 percent, the highest schedular rating available.,The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation based on his need for aid and attendance due to his disability.

The Board determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip disorder was not shown to be related to his active duty service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that arthritis did not manifest to a compensable degree during service or within one year of separation, and is not etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected left varicocele with bilateral hydroceles is shown to be productive of some pain, but does not result in complete atrophy or removal of both testes, voiding dysfunction, renal dysfunction, or urinary tract infection. Therefore, an initial compensable evaluation for the disability has been denied.

The Board has remanded the case to complete additional development related to the Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance. The case will be returned to the Board after this development is completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's periods of active duty for special work (ADSW) from March 21, 2005 to September 30, 2005 and October 1, 2005 to February 23, 2006 do not qualify as active duty for Post-9/11 GI Bill purposes due to the nature of their service. As a result, the Veteran's eligibility for higher educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for peripheral vascular disease and cellulitis due to their inextricably intertwined nature with the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's request to reopen his diabetes mellitus claim is also addressed.