Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GI cancer and brain tumor did not manifest within one year of discharge from service, nor are they otherwise related to asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left heel spur and granted it, finding that new evidence submitted since the last denial supports the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disease and circulatory disorder of the right lower extremity were not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.,There is no evidence linking these conditions to a period of service or a service-connected disability.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining a copy of an October 2007 VA medical opinion and obtaining a new VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's adenocarcinoma.

The Veteran's skin cancer, diagnosed as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, is not presumed related to his toxic herbicide exposure or military service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of direct causation between the Veteran's in-service time period and his current skin cancers.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to provide a comprehensive VA examination and to address the current severity of his service-connected metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hand disorder, diagnosed as intrinsic tendonitis with chronic MP joint radial collateral ligament tear, is related to an in-service injury. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected histoplasmosis with right lower lobe postoperative scar was granted a 30 percent rating, effective June 9, 2009. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his lung disability.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected condition, and the appellant did not meet the criteria for nonservice-connected burial benefits. The claim is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a disability causing loss of vision that is related to his military service. The evidence showed no chronic eye condition during or after service, and current visual problems are attributed to refractive error (myopia and astigmatism).

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but has not caused significant impairment. The VA determined that a 50 percent rating is warranted for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including histiocytic lymphoma of the stomach and related residuals, made him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as of September 30, 1995. The Board granted TDIU effective that date for his stomach condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding the nature of his claimed disabilities and whether they are secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of updated medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, including chondromalacia, is being reviewed.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's residuals of left great toenail removal, finding that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's paroxysmal atrial fibrillation did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating, as it has not manifested by more than four episodes per year. The left ventricular hypertrophy was determined to be less likely due to his service-connected paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The case will be rescheduled for the next available hearing date.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left hip strain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.