Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected fractured vertebral body at L4-5 is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for CFS and remanded it for further development, including a VA Gulf War examination.

The Veteran's mitral valve prolapse with tricuspid regurgitation was found to have a workload greater than 7 metabolic equivalents but not greater than 10 metabolic equivalents, which did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran died from adenocarcinoma of the esophagus with liver metastasis. The Board found no service connection for this condition and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to link it to any incident of service, including herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected right ring finger disability, including its impact on surrounding fingers.

The Veteran seeks an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected residuals of status post bilateral cerebellar infarcts secondary to vertebral artery dissection. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining FAA records and a VA examination.

The Board determined that the Veteran is not entitled to additional automobile or adaptive equipment under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code. The Veteran was previously granted a power lift as part of his Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Independent Living Program.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to the complexities of the case, including a need for a VA examination by a heptologist.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal stromal tumor and soft tissue sarcoma are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's fibrocystic left breast has been manifested by fibrous changes and tenderness, but it has not resulted in any impairment in function. The Board finds that the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7628 are not met.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is dismissed as moot because he has a combined schedular rating of 100 percent, which means he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major deformity of bilateral feet is a congenital defect and not subject to service connection as it did not result from an in-service injury or disease. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found no evidence of a current right eye disability resulting from service, and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, characterized as insomnia, was granted a 100% disability rating effective January 31, 2015. The initial noncompensable ratings for varicose veins and hemorrhoids were increased to 100%. TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of mandible fractures are not manifested by nonrestorable loss of teeth, and therefore a compensable rating is denied.

The Board granted service connection for CVA with a 100% disability rating effective from August 7, 2010. The Veteran also received an earlier effective date of March 1, 2004 for the grant of service connection for hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

The Veteran's overpayment for spousal benefits from November 1, 2000, through July 12, 2001 is not waived due to fault on his part. The overpayment for the period from July [redacted], 2001, is waived.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for adding his spouse to his award is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of bilateral cold injury to the feet is denied as there is no current disability found and no evidence linking any past or present condition to service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic venous insufficiency of the bilateral lower extremities and denied service connection for diverticulosis. Service connection is granted for chronic venous insufficiency due to its onset in service, while service connection for diverticulosis is not established as there is no evidence of a current disability during service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for chronic constipation, which she contends is related to her service-connected duodenal ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The case has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.