Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board finds that the Veteran's left fourth finger disability is not related to his active service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's neck disability did not have onset during service and was not caused by active service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and a dental disorder, as new evidence supports these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of left index finger surgery, right and left hallux valgus, status-post bunionectomy, and varicose veins have been rated appropriately. The Veteran is entitled to separate initial compensable ratings for her bilateral hallux valgus under Diagnostic Code 5280, but not higher ratings. She is also entitled to a separate initial 10 percent rating for each of her right and left leg varicose veins.

The Veteran's right leg shortening disability is manifested by a 1.25 inch/3 centimeter discrepancy, which does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service discharge was under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct, which constitutes a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder and left tympanic perforation have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The appeal is being remanded due to missing documents from the AOJ. The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs home loan guaranty benefits will be returned to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for left thumb arthritis and a ganglion cyst, diagnosed within one year of separation from service. The right shoulder disability remains at a 20 percent rating, and the skin disability is rated at 60 percent effective April 12, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral onychomycosis has been rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 60 percent, requiring near constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current coronary artery disease (CAD) is related to his in-service rheumatic fever, and thus service connection for CAD is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's eye disability, including photophobia and flashes of light, is not service-connected. The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The TDIU claim was also denied as the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the fibroid cysts were not present during service, are not related to service, and are not secondary to the service-connected endometriosis with bilateral corpus luteal cysts. Therefore, the Veteran's claim for service connection for fibroid cysts was denied.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment would be against equity and good conscience due to the appellant's limited education, lack of understanding of VA regulations, and substantial hardship if required to repay the debt. The claim for a waiver is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including considering whether his current hand tremors are related to his service-connected PTSD and COPD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA and VA medical records, and requesting a VA medical opinion to address the claims of service connection and 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that the Veteran's left eye disorders did not originate in service or within a year of service, and are not otherwise etiologically related to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for damage to his esophagus and service connection for osteopenia due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The Board found that there was no current objective evidence of a hiatal hernia or esophageal disorder, and the Veteran did not develop chronic disability/additional disability of the esophagus due to VA medical treatment.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted service connection and rated at 10 percent prior to October 1, 2009. From October 1, 2009, the rating was increased to 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right AC joint.

The case is being remanded due to procedural issues, including the need for proper contested claim procedures and determination of eligibility for apportionment based on the children's status.