Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected neurological GSW residuals, specifically addressing whether his symptoms are related to his GSW. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and a videoconference hearing due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran is seeking service connection for numbness of both feet, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected genitourinary disabilities, as well as compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for the same condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a blood disorder and residuals of syphilis before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has restored service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dependency and indemnity compensation benefits, which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA eye examination to identify all current disabilities of the eyes and determine if any are related to military service. Outstanding VA treatment records from November 2012 must also be obtained.

The Veteran does not have additional disability as a result of VA treatment for diverticulitis, and the Board finds that his claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification of a previous medical opinion regarding the etiology of his gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's surviving spouse, W.F., applied for death pension and special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for aid and attendance. The appellant was awarded $1005 in accrued benefits as reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and an examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for nerve damage in his lower extremities, which he claims are related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her lumbar spine, right femur, left tibia, and right tibia disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's distal metacarpal fracture of the fifth metacarpal of the right hand has not been manifested by disability equivalent to amputation or ankylosis, and a right hand disorder other than this condition was not present until more than one year following his separation from service. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have entitlement to a compensable evaluation for his distal metacarpal fracture of the fifth metacarpal of the right hand, nor does he meet the criteria for service connection for any other right hand disorder.

The Veteran's cause of death, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multisystem organ failure, was not found to be related to his military service or presumed exposure to herbicides. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for discoid lupus erythematosus was granted, with a current rating of 60 percent. The issues related to TDIU and SMC were not addressed as they are remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's right eye iritis did not warrant an extraschedular rating as his symptoms were specifically contemplated by the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder has been rated at 30 percent since June 8, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms of his condition are consistent with a 50 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9440.

The Board found no current evidence of a service-connected right hamstring disability and concluded that the Veteran's reported injury in service did not result in a chronic condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's varicose veins did not have onset during service and were not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed normal pressure hydrocephalus is related to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's iritis and uveitis are being remanded for a VA examination to determine if they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back strain with history of ankylosing spondylitis.