Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) of the right eye is not considered to be due to VA medical treatment, and the Board finds that it was not caused by a stress test performed in September 2004. The preponderance of evidence does not support the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as there is no evidence of negligence or lack of proper care on the part of VA, and the additional disability (numbness) is not related to the treatment provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA joints examination. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder was reopened, and he is now granted service connection for this condition as it is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. His wrist pain and numbness are also found to be related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner who conducted the April 2014 VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hepatocellular carcinoma is related to military service and Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further development. The issue of entitlement to a benefits payment rate in excess of 60 percent for educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot onychomycosis, including whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for NPH, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's comminuted fracture of the right femur is currently rated at 30 percent disabling from March 1, 2002. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a compensable rating prior to March 1, 2002 and a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for dysthymic disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA neurologist to review the claims file.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for ptosis of the right eye with esotropia and amblyopia, finding no new and material evidence. The Veteran also failed to establish basic eligibility for non-service-connected pension benefits due to insufficient wartime service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and considering the results of a previous VA examination.

The Veteran's left rhomboid strain, a muscle disability affecting the non-dominant side, is currently rated at 20 percent based on moderate impairment of function.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, finding that no new and material evidence was received.

The Board has found that an overpayment of $11,111 was created due to the Veteran not notifying VA of his second marriage. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected back injury, status post-surgery with degenerative joint disease is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination. The issue of whether a separate neurological rating is warranted for the left thumb disability will also be addressed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for right hip arthritis, status post arthroplasty and granted it on the merits. The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's current right hip disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals have been rated at 30 percent each, and the Board has granted a TDIU. The increased disability ratings for left and right hand cold injury residuals are maintained, with separate ratings for peripheral neuropathy.