Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's atrial fibrillation was found to have only one to four episodes per year of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or other supraventricular tachycardia documented by ECG prior to June 22, 2012 and more than four episodes per year thereafter. The Board determined that the Veteran's symptoms were primarily attributed to his non-service-connected pulmonary disabilities.

The Veteran's lower back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service, specifically Agent Orange, is presumed and grants service connection for multiple myeloma.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected residuals of a right femoral nerve injury, and the Board grants a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including consideration of medical expenses in the amount of $200.00 per month identified by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Crohn's disease was granted in January 2010 with an effective date of March 9, 2006. The decision is based on the merits and not due to any new evidence or a change in law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral posterior sub-capsular cataracts are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and grants this claim.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA disability benefits and basic eligibility due to a lack of qualifying service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the service connection claims for chondromalacia of the left knee, right knee, and degenerative joint disease of the left knee and right knee. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for a higher initial rating and any other issues related to gout.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of left and right tibial stress fractures are currently rated at 10 percent each, reflecting the presence of pain in both legs without evidence of malunion or nonunion.,The Veteran's service-connected tinea versicolor is currently rated at 10 percent, with a reduction from 30 percent effective November 1, 2012.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal regarding whether she is competent to handle disbursement of VA funds.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer is not service-connected as it was not caused or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board found no evidence of a separately diagnosed respiratory condition or sleep disorder that is causally related to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the initial rating for a gunshot wound to the left leg with damage to muscle group XII.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ring finger distal interphalangeal (DIP) fracture was not incurred or aggravated by service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a new VA examination. The case will be reviewed to determine if the TDIU issue should also be considered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The issues on appeal are whether he should receive an increased rating for his right index finger disability and if he qualifies for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board determined that the appellant's character of discharge from service is a bar to eligibility for VA compensation benefits, as his offenses constituted willful and persistent misconduct. The Board found no evidence suggesting he was insane at the time of his offenses.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file, including obtaining relevant VA and private treatment records.