Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board found that the overpayment of VA nonservice-connected pension benefits was properly created due to the Veteran's failure to report his wife's income, resulting in an overpayment. The Veteran is solely at fault for this error.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed cardiomegaly and mitral valve disease, as well as to determine if service connection can be established on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his left fifth finger strain was denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or amputation, and the current noncompensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5230 is the maximum possible.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for right and left shin splints have been withdrawn by his representative.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical records and providing supplemental opinions regarding her back disability and left hip disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of coronary atherosclerosis of the native vessel was denied as there is no evidence showing a workload greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness or syncope; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or x-ray.

The Veteran's acute promyelocytic leukemia is found to be as likely as not related to his service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.,For his right fifth finger laceration residuals, the Board finds a compensable rating of 10% is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination of the Veteran's right hand.

The Veteran's eye disability, idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, is related to his active duty service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dyshidrosis of the hands warrants a rating of 30 percent, as it does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under DC 7806.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, as it does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for a cardiovascular disability, identified as supraventricular arrhythmia, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals, status post colon cancer with large intestine resection and scar have not been manifested by symptoms warranting a compensable rating. The Board has determined that the preponderance of evidence is against the assignment of such a rating.

The Veteran's dementia pugilistica is found to be related to service, including his boxing activities while in the military. The Board grants service connection for dementia pugilistica.

The Veteran is requesting separate ratings for his service-connected pancytopenia (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), currently evaluated at 70 percent disabling. The Board finds that the current evidence is insufficient to determine whether he should be awarded separate ratings and thus remands the case for further development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a heart disability, including as secondary to ischemic heart disease. The Board has requested an expert opinion on the relationship between his diagnosed conditions and ischemic heart disease.

The Board found that the appellant's discharge under other than honorable conditions was due to willful and persistent misconduct, which is a bar to VA benefits including health care. The Board also determined that he was not insane at the time of his offense, but concluded that his period of service terminated by a bad conduct discharge makes him ineligible for Chapter 17 health care benefits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a skin disorder, which he claims is related to his presumed herbicide exposure during military service. The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for an addendum opinion and the lack of VA treatment records from Loma Linda.

The Veteran's residuals of a fractured left hand are currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support an increase to a higher rating as there is no gap between the thumb pad and fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers.