Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's status post aortic valve replacement, previously rated as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, is currently rated at 60 percent since October 13, 2010. The Board finds that the initial 30 percent rating prior to this date was proper under DC 7011.

The Veteran's mother was found to be dependent on the Veteran for reasonable maintenance, and her claim for additional compensation based upon a dependent parent is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right eye disorder and an increased rating for his left eye disability has been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the claims.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for entitlement to a TDIU, which is now dismissed.

The Veteran's left leg varicose veins disability is characterized by persistent edema, which meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating. From November 16, 2016, the Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities preventing her from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left hand disability, rated as 60 percent disabling since January 9, 2003, meets the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of a hand.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the issue of increased special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran claims service connection for mitral valve prolapse, which she contends was aggravated by her periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The Board finds that a medical opinion is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed disability.

The Veteran's diplopia and deviated septum have been granted service connection, with the effective date set at July 17, 2009.

The Veteran's right and left cubital tunnel syndrome with carpal tunnel syndrome have been rated based on the severity of their symptoms, but no higher ratings are warranted as they do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 3, 2014, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service did not meet the minimum length of service requirement for Chapter 30 educational benefits, as he served less than 36 months. The Board found that none of the exceptions to this requirement applied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hip disorders, including avascular necrosis of the left and right hips with status post arthroplasties, are at least as likely as not related to an injury sustained during service. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substance abuse disorder was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected depressive disorder, and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right testicular epididymitis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective June 24, 2005. The Board found that the evidence did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder and an increased rating for headaches. The Veteran's skin condition was not found to be related to his military service, and the headaches were rated as 30% disabling since July 21, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lupus erythematosus had its onset during service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicide agents during his service and therefore cannot be presumed to have been exposed. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for breast cancer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease, to include as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board found that gout was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to a service-connected disease or injury. The Veteran's gout was determined to be due to the natural progression of his pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's request for waiver of overpayment of VA pension benefits in the amount of $10,227.50 was denied as recovery would not be against equity and good conscience.