Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities, effective October 16, 2013.

The Veteran's left foot disorder, status post fracture left sesamoid (foot) with claw foot and hammertoe deformity, has been manifested by pain and mild tenderness; there is no evidence of symptoms such as all toes tending to dorsiflexion, limitation of dorsiflexion at ankle to right angle, shortened plantar fascia, and marked tenderness under metatarsal heads.

The Veteran's arthritis of the right elbow is manifested by pain and has been rated at 10 percent since July 19, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's cramps/menstrual problems are not related to her service, including any undiagnosed illness or exposure to environmental toxins. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability attributable to fibrocystic breast disease or any other breast disorder.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal, and the Board dismissed all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's right and left foot pain are not related to service, and he does not meet the requirements for non-service-connected disability pension prior to July 13, 2010.,Service connection cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a foot injury or arthritis during or within one year of service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records related to the Veteran's service-connected Lyme disease and encephalopathy. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of proper notice and for further development.

The Board has denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and denied entitlement to VA benefits based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's death was not due to service-connected conditions, and he was not in receipt of compensation or pension at the time of his death. Therefore, the appellant is not entitled to benefits equal to the rate of payment of VA compensation for the month of his death.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence in the record to determine whether the Appellant's discharge was due to willful and persistent misconduct, which would bar VA benefits. The case is being remanded for further review of the Appellant's personnel records.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for limitation to 25 degrees from the side or any other higher rating. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's chronic disability of hemoptysis, which has persisted since his service in Iraq, is considered to be due to an undiagnosed illness and granted service connection.

The Veteran's right (major) upper arm wound residuals with retained metal fragment and scar residuals have been rated as noncompensable due to localized, sharp, sticking pain that is exacerbated by physical activity and relieved by rest.

The Veteran's right eye disability is rated at a 20 percent rating, which includes impairment of visual acuity and visual field impairment. The decision grants the claim for an increased rating.

The Board found that the Veteran is competent to handle disbursement of VA funds, resolving all doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's heart disability was not shown to be related to his military service, and he is not eligible for non-service connected pension.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's HIV/AIDS was incurred during service, and thus denies the claim.