Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a chip fracture to the left tibia tubercle were rated at 10 percent from August 25, 2008, to June 9, 2010; increased to 20 percent from June 9, 2010, to January 9, 2012; and finally increased to 30 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these periods.

The Veteran's left varicocele residuals have been manifested by pain and incomplete atrophy of the testes for the entire period on appeal, but do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of both hands is service-connected, as it is considered to be at least as likely as not due to his normal course of aging rather than being incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neurological disorders of the left upper and lower extremities, specifically whether they are related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension is moot as he is already in receipt of this benefit.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's alcohol dependence and its relationship to his service-connected psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected neurogenic bladder disorder was rated at 10 percent prior to November 19, 2008. From November 19, 2008 until January 12, 2011, the rating remained at 10 percent. After that period, a higher evaluation of 30 percent was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition that would allow for service connection. The Veteran's personality disorder and mood disorder are found to be unrelated to his military service.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA education benefits in the amount of $18,312.25 was not properly created and has ordered its removal.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right leg paralysis that he developed after undergoing hip surgery at the Cleveland VA medical center in September 2008. The case is being remanded to obtain missing treatment records and provide a medical opinion regarding whether the additional disability was caused by carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's onychomycosis was found to have been incurred during service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The issue of residuals of a head injury is addressed in the remand section.

The Board denied service connection for cold injury residuals and fungus infection of the feet, finding that there were no current residuals from a cold injury in service.

The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected condition, resulting in past-due benefits. The attorney fees of $5,055.96 were withheld from these benefits. After reviewing the factors, the Board reduced the fee to $2,527.98.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an ulcer, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service and insufficient medical nexus to establish a link between current disability and service.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for postoperative left orchiectomy and addressed the new claims of service connection for internal injuries to the lower abdomen and injuries to the left side of the chest. The decision is pending further development.

The Board has granted service connection for uterine fibroid status post myomectomy and left ovarian cyst status post left ovarian cystectomy. The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional service department records regarding the Veteran's presence aboard the USS Kearsarge during his Vietnam-era service. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran does not have a dental condition or disability, to include periodontal disease and extracted teeth, that resulted from service trauma. Therefore, he is not eligible for VA outpatient treatment based on residuals of dental trauma.

The Veteran's skin conditions of actinic keratosis and idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis are found to have had their onset in service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses is being remanded due to the need for additional private medical records. The case will be re-adjudicated after these records are obtained.