Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder, diagnosed as congenital fusion of T12 and L1, is a preexisting congenital defect. The Board also found that it was not subject to a superimposed disease or injury during military service that resulted in additional disability, and such is not aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for adjustment disorder with depressed mood, effective April 21, 2012. The decision also addressed the issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU and remanded the issue of increased rating for lumbar rotoscoliosis.

The Veteran's musculoskeletal manifestations of residuals of a SFW of the right arm region are characterized by pain, and he is granted a disability rating of 10 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses related to treatment at Memorial North Park Hospital on December 3, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and review of VA records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a supplemental VA opinion and scheduling of a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected large angle esotropia is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects her current level of disability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, but it is unclear whether the colon cancer was caused by in-service herbicide exposure or if it is a new condition. The evidence does not establish direct causation.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain medical records from Aetna Insurance Company and any related dystonia records. The claim will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bone cancer and arterial fibrillation, as well as the issue of a higher initial rating for a left knee disability. The Veteran will need to provide updated evidence and undergo further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his service connection claim for a blood/immunological disorder, including obtaining his period of active service records and any SSA decision regarding disability benefits.

The Board found that tachycardia was neither incurred during service nor caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability, specifically dextroscoliosis. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if her alopecia is related to service. The reduction in rating for the lumbosacral disc disease from 40% to 10% (subsequently increased to 20%) must be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hemiacrania continua is a continuation of the headaches he had in service, and thus grants his appeal for service connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a pulmonary disability, including interstitial fibrosis and bullous emphysema, which he claims is due to asbestos exposure during his naval service. The Board has determined that additional development is required before the issue can be properly adjudicated.

The Board has granted service connection for left leg arterial insufficiency and remanded the TDIU claim for readjudication following assignment of a disability rating and effective date.

The Board denied DIC based on esophageal carcinoma, finding that the cause of death was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining new VA examinations and private treatment records.

The Veteran's pelvic adhesive disease is rated at a noncompensable level, but the Board has determined that her symptoms warrant a rating of at least 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and arranging for additional records to be obtained. The issues of service connection for the cause of death and reimbursement for funeral expenses are being addressed.