Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip degenerative joint disease (arthritis) is related to her active service and granted her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected neck and right foot disabilities were found to not warrant higher ratings based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on March 1, 2011 was denied as VA did not provide prior authorization and the treatment received was not for a condition requiring emergency care.

The Veteran's residuals of a left calf shell fragment wound have resulted in severe injury to muscle group XI, warranting the maximum 30 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's right hand disability, including degenerative changes of the second PIP joint with narrowing and osteophytes, is found to be related to service. The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his combined rating for all service-connected disabilities is 50% or more.

The Veteran's arthritis of the left hand was not found to be service-connected, but his fractures were granted a compensable rating. The arthritis claim is denied as it is secondary to the service-connected fractures.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for scheduling a video-conference hearing before the Board at the RO in Arizona. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of control of bodily function, including bladder and bowel incontinence, is being remanded due to the need for a clarifying medical opinion regarding whether his condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's right forearm fracture residuals are currently rated at 30 percent for impairment of supination and pronation, with no compensable rating for limitation of extension. The current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's left upper back pain, paresthesia, and numbness are found to be related to his service-connected residuals of HNP. The Veteran is granted a 20 percent disability rating for metatarsalgia affecting both feet from January 7, 2007.

The case is being remanded for further action, including rescheduling a hearing and readjudicating the apportionment claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue base and gastrointestinal disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current knee disabilities are related to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran is asked to provide any additional medical records and authorize VA to obtain them.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and is therefore dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing. The issues are about service connection and evaluation for her conditions.

The Veteran's left humerus disability, manifested by malunion of the shaft with mild to moderate deformity, is rated at 20 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled hearing. He requested a videoconference hearing and has the right to one on request.

The Board has determined that additional notice is required and the case is being remanded for this purpose. The appeal will be reconsidered after the necessary notification is provided.

The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed, and the AOJ needs to investigate his exposure to Agent Orange while serving aboard U.S.S. Kearsarge in Vietnam.