Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current throat disorder and partial paralysis of the vocal cords to his military service, including exposure to loud noises or fumes from artillery fire. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder is denied as there is no evidence of any disability other than refractive error of the eyes at any time relevant to his claim.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a bilateral mandible fracture, currently rated at 20 percent. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and another VA medical examination to address functional loss on use and flare-ups.

The Board found that there is no additional bilateral eye disability, related to a chronic disability manifested by blurred vision, as a result of VA treatment consisting of the medication Buspirone.

The Veteran's left knee instability, status post meniscal tear repair with history of chondromalacia is rated at 20 percent under the appropriate diagnostic code since May 20, 1997.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center were denied as the VA facility was feasibly available and the Veteran chose to remain at the non-VA facility after becoming stable.

The Veteran's claim for an additional clothing allowance to obtain non-stain analgesic ointment was denied. The case is being remanded due to the lack of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for service connection purposes, and there is no evidence of an in-service event or disease related to his claimed conditions. Therefore, the claims for service connection for a low back disability and eczema are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hammer toes disability did not have its onset in service and is not etiologically related to service. The claim for a temporary total rating based on convalescence due to surgery for hammer toes was also denied.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment of $8,440.07 in VA benefits is against equity and good conscience due to the Veteran's incarceration and resulting financial hardship.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility on May 8, 2014 is granted under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725.

The Veteran's right femoral nerve disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective October 21, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's left carpel tunnel syndrome did not have its onset during service and was not caused by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for spina bifida occulta but granted service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The appeal is mixed as some issues were granted and others not.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for sarcoma, a right thigh disability, and lipid metabolism. The remaining issues of higher ratings for PTSD from February 18, 2014, and for sleep apnea are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's administrator is seeking accrued benefits for the Veteran, who died in March 2011. The appeal was remanded due to scheduling issues with a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain service records and medical records, as well as to provide the Veteran with VA examinations regarding her claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records, lack of information regarding service in Vietnam, and need for further determination on U.S. Navy ship's service history.

The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of a cesarean section surgery, including subsequent abdominal adhesions and surgeries. The Board finds that additional development is needed to clarify the relationship between her current conditions and her in-service cesarean section.

The Veteran's heart disability, diagnosed as Brugada syndrome, was incurred in service and the Board has granted service connection for it.