Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Board found that there is no clinical evidence of paralysis of the right and left external popliteal (common peroneal) nerves, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability did not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin disability, which he believes is related to exposure to an herbicide agent in the Republic of Vietnam. The case was remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and further development is required.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim for service connection for a heart disorder can be adjudicated. Specifically, an addendum opinion must be provided to address whether the Veteran's supraventricular arrhythmia or ventricular arrhythmia were caused by or resulted from active duty service. Additionally, clarification on the diagnosis of hypertension needs to be sought.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for right bicep tendonitis is being remanded due to the need for additional examination of his right forearm.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and needs to determine which party is the proper claimant for DIC benefits. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for further consideration.

The Veteran's claim for authorization of VA special mode transportation benefits was denied due to the availability of shuttle services provided by his residence (Chula Vista Veterans' Home) and the VAMC. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a right elbow disorder and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for a lung disorder, and the Board is dismissing this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's residuals from bilateral inguinal hernia repair are currently rated as noncompensable, but separate ratings of 10 percent each have been granted for ilioinguinal neuralgia due to left and right inguinal hernias.

The Board has remanded the case for several reasons, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and reports, scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, issuing a statement of the case on certain issues, and scheduling a hearing for the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and readjudication, including obtaining copies of the Veteran's service records/personnel file and verifying his ROTC obligation.

The Board found that the appellant is not eligible to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA benefits purposes due to a lack of valid marriage and because she did not meet the one-year requirement prior to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his Reserve service records and scheduling VA examinations to address the severity of his hammer toe disability and whether he has cold injury residuals.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's left shoulder condition is being evaluated further.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mesothelioma, which caused his death in December 2011, was at least as likely as not caused by exposure to asbestos during service. As such, the cause of the Veteran's death is considered service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death based on ischemic heart disease, which is presumptively associated with herbicide exposure. The effective date is set at October 1, 2005.

The Board has determined that the appellant is eligible to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA death benefits purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right wrist disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis in either wrist.,Higher evaluations are not available under the applicable diagnostic codes.