Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for gastroparesis, dysphagia, and hiatal hernia were denied. The claim for peptic ulcer disease (Pepcid) was granted with a non-compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a cardiovascular disability and a skin disability, finding that there was no disease or injury resulting in the conditions. The Veteran's heart murmur and bradycardia were not found to be due to service.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the case.

The Veteran was evaluated as totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability effective September 20, 2000. The appellant's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits ended on September 20, 2008, after his 31st birthday. As the appellant did not apply for DEA benefits during his period of eligibility and was not enrolled in an educational program at that time, he does not meet the criteria for basic eligibility.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to metastatic carcinoma originating in the pancreas, which is not etiologically related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the AOJ after the hearing.

The Veteran's TMJ dysfunction, also claimed as myofascial pain disorder, was incurred as a result of her active service and the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's bladder and bowel dysfunction were not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental opinion from the September 2014 examiner and adjudicating claims of clear and unmistakable error in previous RO decisions. The Veteran's earlier effective date claim for service connection for depression is also being addressed.

The Veteran's right hand disability, manifested by mild incomplete paralysis of the lower radicular group, is currently rated at 20 percent and no higher.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes cavus was present during his second period of active service and is not a congenital defect. The evidence does not clearly and unmistakably establish that the condition did not permanently increase in severity as a result of service, thus granting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of updated verification of the Appellant's alleged active service in the United States Armed Forces. The claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to missing medical records from Drs. Arthur and Sheppard, who treated the Veteran for back pain.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not eligible for VA educational assistance under Chapter 1606, Title 10 of the United States Code due to unsatisfactory participation in a prior enlistment. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for jungle rot of the feet has been denied as there is no current evidence of this condition. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the failure of VA to substantially comply with Board remand directives. The case must be returned for additional development.

The Veteran's right hand disability, which included a fracture, was initially rated at 10 percent prior to July 9, 2009. After that date, the disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling due to pain and limitation of motion without ankylosis.

The Veteran's service-connected tender ischial tuberosity, right, with residuals of fracture of the coccyx has been manifested by symptoms to include radiating pain, tingling and numbness, reflective of, at worst, moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Severe incomplete paralysis, with marked muscular atrophy, has not been shown.

The Veteran's aortic valve replacement residuals are currently rated at 60 percent, and his paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is rated at 30 percent. The Board has granted these ratings.,The Veteran meets the percentage requirements for eligibility to receive TDIU benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's recurrent left tibia fractures are manifested by chronic pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. However, the range of motion (ROM) of the left knee is limited to 98 degrees on flexion, which does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under applicable VA disability rating criteria.