Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is not related to his service-connected paranoid schizophrenia or any medications used for this condition, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and a hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disability, which includes hallux valgus and degenerative changes resulting from a bunionectomy, warrants a rating of 20 percent during the period on appeal. The decision is based on the symptoms most nearly approximating a moderately severe foot injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic disability manifested by soreness of legs and joints, liver disease, and amyloidosis. The evidence did not establish these conditions.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA medical treatment, and therefore the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral dry eye syndrome warrants an initial 20 percent rating, effective April 21, 2010.

The Veteran's permanent and total disability rating was effective September 15, 2006. The Appellant reached her 26th birthday prior to this date, making her ineligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35 of the United States Code.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and an in-person examination of the Veteran's heart condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's appendectomy, claimed as appendicitis, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for limitation of flexion, extension, and impairment of the right thigh have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a higher rating under VA's schedular criteria.

The Veteran's compression fracture at L2 has been rated as 10 percent disabling since March 7, 2005. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip replacements are related to his service, including a helicopter crash while in Vietnam. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's mood disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The evidence is in relative equipoise on whether the disability picture more nearly approximates that of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left foot disability.

Throughout the period on appeal, disc degeneration and bulging disc at L5-S1 have been productive of functional limitation of flexion to 20 degrees but not ankylosis or any incapacitating episodes referable to intervertebral disc syndrome. The Veteran's disability has met the criteria for a rating in of 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hiatal hernia and chronic gastritis are service-connected, with the diagnosis dating back to his service discharge.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a dose estimate from DTRA regarding the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation during active service. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left hand disorder, which he claims was caused or aggravated by his military service. The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to ensure proper development of the claim and obtain all relevant medical records.

The appellant was scheduled for a hearing via live videoconference, but he declined and prefers to appear before a Travel Board member at the local VA office. The case is being remanded due to this preference.