Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's hip disorders are being remanded for additional development to determine their etiology and whether they are related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's temporomandibular jaw dysfunction is not manifested by inter-incisal range of temporomandibular articulation limited to 21 to 30 mm, and therefore, the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the underlying claims can be adjudicated on the merits. The appellant was substituted as the claimant with respect to the above-captioned claims in January 2015, and VA must develop and adjudicate the claims at issue as if the appellant were standing in the shoes of the Veteran.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of residuals of cold injury to either the left or right foot, and there is no evidence of such disability during service. As such, his claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the Director of VA's Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating due to flare-ups and self-reported incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood has been granted a 70 percent disability rating effective June 3, 2015.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for improved death pension benefits as her annual income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate throughout the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the earliest effective date for the appellant's apportionment of the Veteran's disability compensation benefits is August 1, 1991. The award was granted in an amount of $79 per month from June 1, 1992 to November 30, 1991.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as she is not a qualifying child for VA death benefits due to her age and status at the time of filing.

The Board denied a claim for an earlier effective date for the award of an apportionment of the Veteran's non-service-connected pension benefits, finding that no formal or informal claims were received prior to January 22, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disorder, including ulcerative colitis and related surgeries, was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus and granted her TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected ITP is also considered in determining whether she can secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's loss of vision after laser eye surgery is not considered to be due to VA care, and the Board finds no negligence or error on the part of VA. The Veteran's current condition was within the scope of informed consent.

The Veteran's skin conditions are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship to service, specifically exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's exposure to environmental toxins in service caused or aggravated his pancreatic cancer, which led to his death. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation for dependents was denied as he did not provide the necessary information within one year of being notified by VA. The appeal is therefore denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin disorder, specifically herpes simplex virus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's onychomycosis of the toenails does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as it is mild in severity and has been productive of no more than proximal nail fold debris and subungual debris.

The Veteran's right hand disability, including arthritis in the thumb and little fingers, is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5230 for limitation of motion of a single digit. The appeal has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left tibia and fibula fracture residuals is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.