Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant is entitled to nonservice-connected burial benefits in the amount of $300.00.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a flare-up examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right eye disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently have shin splints or residuals of shin splints in either lower leg, and his complaints are attributed to residuals of fractures of the right tibia and fibula. As such, service connection for shin splints is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected left toe implant and right great toe disability have been granted increased ratings, with the right toe disability receiving a temporary 100% rating from January 31, 2012 to May 31, 2012, followed by a permanent 30% rating thereafter.

The Board found that the Veteran's atrial fibrillation was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected conditions, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye disability, including diplopia, dry eye syndrome (including pain), and color desaturation, is related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employment, and for consideration of all his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that a chronic musculoskeletal and/or neurological disability manifested by pain of the arms and hands did not occur in service, is not otherwise related to service, and may not be presumed to have occurred therein. Therefore, the Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, including mitral valve prolapse, coronary artery disease and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's preexisting condition did not permanently increase in severity as a result of his service.

The Board has determined that CIDP was not incurred in or aggravated by the Veteran's military service and is not proximately due to, or aggravated by, her service-connected hysterectomy. Diabetes mellitus, type II, is also not caused or aggravated by any of her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's gout has been rated at 60 percent since February 3, 2014. The rating is based on the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and reflects significant incapacitating exacerbations occurring three or more times a year.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, finding that the Veteran's hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia are not related to his military service. The Board also found no evidence linking meibomitis and dry eye syndrome to his service.

The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's current eye disabilities and active service, and denied his claims for service connection. For malaria, the Board determined that there was no clinical evidence of relapse or residual liver/spleen damage secondary to malaria, leading to a denial of an initial compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have a current right arm nerve disability at any point during the pendency of his claim, and instead had lateral epicondylitis. Therefore, service connection for a right arm nerve disability is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for a bilateral eye disability, including visual impairment and partial blindness.

The Board has granted service connection for basal cell carcinoma on the basis that it is related to active service, specifically exposure to ionizing radiation aboard a submarine.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a new VA examination. The Veteran's appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for spindle cell sarcoma with a rating of 100% from May 2, 2011 to May 31, 2011. The effective date is set at May 2, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a hearing before the Travel Board at the Atlanta RO. The appellant's address needs to be confirmed and he should be notified of the date, time, and location of the hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection for a brain tumor, increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and TDIU.