Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current heart disorder, including atrial fibrillation, is related to service or secondary to other conditions such as PTSD and diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding her exposure to potential chemical contaminants during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for loss of part of the skull, intermediate area was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current dental condition for which VA compensation may be awarded, and therefore service connection for a dental disability for compensation purposes is denied.

The Board has determined that the Appellant may be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of VA benefits, given her valid marriage to the Veteran and their continuous cohabitation.

The Veteran's varicose vein disability was rated at 40 percent prior to May 13, 2015. Beginning on and after May 13, 2015, the Veteran is entitled to a 60 percent rating for his service-connected varicose vein disability due to persistent ulcerations. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing due to the appellant's request, and will not make any determination on the merits of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his intent to withdraw the appeal.

The Board finds that the appellant cannot be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes due to a lack of valid marriage under applicable laws and regulations.

The Veteran's right great toe arthritis is manifested by moderate pain, stiffness and limited motion. The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected restrictive lung disease was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied as there is no indication in the record that his service-connected disability alone precludes him from engaging in substantially-gainful employment.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for left epididymitis from September 27, 2010. The Veteran's condition is characterized by daytime voiding interval between one and two hours and awakening to void three to four times per night.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance was denied due to the topical medications used for his service-connected skin disorder not causing damage to his outer garments. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and review.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a right hip disorder was denied as there is no evidence that the grant was based on newly received service department records, and the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service records and the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his left eye condition.

The Veteran's lymphedema of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, which approximates the criteria for persistent edema that is incompletely relieved by elevation. The condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings due to stasis pigmentation, eczema, or ulceration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's urethral stricture with voiding dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board found that the termination of non-service connected pension benefits was proper, but the overpayment created due to VA administrative error was not valid.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining an addendum to the August 2016 VA examination report and ensuring that the claim for service connection for a dental disability for purposes of eligibility for outpatient treatment is adjudicated.