Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's current foot issues, including pes cavus, metatarsalgia, hammertoes, and hallux valgus, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The pre-existing pes cavus was determined to have been aggravated during service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's sarcoidosis-related bilateral eye disability and pulmonary system disability manifested within one year of her separation from active duty service, warranting presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected gout has been granted a 40 percent rating, effective October 12, 2013. Additionally, the Veteran is now entitled to a separate evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the hands.

The Veteran's right thumb disability was evaluated, and it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 5228. The Board denied his claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for residuals of the healed right first metacarpophalangeal fracture with residual thumb fibrosis.

The Veteran's right hand disability has resulted in muscle atrophy, but not complete paralysis. The Board finds a 50 percent rating is warranted for the Veteran's right hand disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart condition, including non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with ventricular arrhythmia and an AICD placement, is not related to his military service, particularly due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation with chest pains is being remanded due to the need to obtain his STRs, clarify whether he receives SSA disability benefits for a heart disorder, and provide an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for compensable dental disability and noncompensable dental condition due to inservice trauma are both denied, but the claim for noncompensable dental condition is granted.

The Veteran died of Alzheimer's dementia, a condition not service-connected at the time of his death. The Board finds insufficient evidence to establish that any in-service injury or exposure increased his risk for developing Alzheimer's.

The Veteran's service connection claim for dental trauma to tooth #9 is granted as it falls under the 'direct' theory of service connection due to in-service trauma, and not due to loss of substance of the maxilla or mandible. The Veteran does not qualify for compensation but can receive VA treatment.

The Veteran's loss of bladder control was rated at 20 percent prior to August 21, 2009; increased to 40 percent from August 21, 2009 to January 10, 2016; and further increased to 60 percent effective January 11, 2016.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for nerve damage of the left upper extremity. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and for a disability manifested by chronic pain have also been denied.

The Veteran's service in the Philippine Commonwealth Army and USAFFE is recognized for VA compensation benefits, but not for CHAMPVA benefits for his dependents.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing a notice letter explaining new and material evidence requirements and associating a copy of the June 2012 rating decision attachment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for fecal incontinence due to anal sphincter impairment associated with Crohn's disease is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability was not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's diagnosed heart disorder, specifically mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary regurgitation, cannot be satisfactorily disassociated from her in-service diagnoses of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and relevant medical records. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate disability, including as due to herbicide exposure, was not incurred in or caused by his active service and is therefore denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including arranging a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for her service-connected bilateral patellofemoral syndrome will be reconsidered after this additional information is obtained.