Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of a cerebral accident was increased to 100 percent effective December 14, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of epididymitis or testicular swelling, and there is no evidence linking his currently diagnosed BPH to any in-service condition. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his urinary tract disorder, right foot disorders, and left second metatarsal stress fracture.

The Veteran's left foot disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective September 26, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of moderately severe residuals of the service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic skin disorder, other than onychomycosis, is not related to his active service or presumed herbicide agent exposure. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bladder impairment, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, has been remanded by the Board. The case will be processed again with arrangements made for a hearing before the Board.

The Board has granted a compensable rating of 10 percent for hip strain prior to October 26, 2012, based on painful motion that is not severe enough to warrant a higher rating under an assigned Diagnostic Code.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current cardiac disability related to his military service and therefore, service connection for a cardiac disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a copy of the FDA report and considering two medical journal articles submitted by the Veteran. The claims for service connection for neurocardiogenic syndrome and presyncope, as well as sleep apnea, are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has ordered the VA to provide an accounting of a debt of $4,145.78 resulting from an overpayment in VA nonservice-connected pension benefits and to readjudicate the appeal based on this information.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a left leg disorder and there is no evidence showing such prior to her filing of the claim. Therefore, service connection for a left leg disorder cannot be granted.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder had its clinical onset during his period of active service and is related to the in-service symptoms. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder, is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals concerning the issues of service connection for a dental condition, an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's surviving child is seeking recognition as a helpless child of the Veteran, based on permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching 18 years of age. The case has been remanded due to scheduling issues with the appellant's requested hearing.

The Veteran's left thumb and index finger degenerative joint disease have been granted a 10 percent rating, while the little finger condition remains at noncompensable (0 percent).

The Board found that the Veteran's countable income exceeded the applicable income limits for receiving VA nonservice-connected pension benefits, thus denying his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by bilateral leg pain is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's pulmonary embolism resulting from her left knee arthroplasty was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an examination and addressing the etiology of the Veteran's neurological disability of the upper extremities. The issues include service connection for a neurological disability of the bilateral upper extremities, as well as increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have superficial nerve irritation of the abdominal wall secondary to his service-connected ventral hernia during the relevant period, and denied all issues related to increased ratings for a surgical scar and gastric B cell lymphoma.