Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's umbilical hernia residuals and whether he had a bowel obstruction during the appeal period. The AOJ should also refer the case to the Director, Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot peripheral polyneuropathy disability is caused by his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as associated scars. The Veteran also needs clarification on whether her actinic keratosis is related to her service-connected skin disability or active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining clarification on whether the Veteran's use of topical medication to treat Fournier gangrene constitutes systemic therapy like or similar to a corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive drug. Additionally, an addendum medical opinion is needed regarding the relationship between the service-connected right foot disability and any left knee, ankle, and foot disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot arthritis and bilateral hand disorders (to include arthritis) as there is no evidence of current disabilities during the appeal period.

The Veteran's Alzheimer's disease is found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection based on substitution. He is also granted SMC for the need for aid and attendance based on substitution.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right elbow disability, including degenerative joint disease and tendonitis. The evidence shows that the Veteran experienced symptoms of these conditions during his military service and continues to experience them post-service.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing at an RO near the appellant's home in Nevada.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral eye condition, including nuclear sclerotic cataracts, is not related to his military service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and considering whether the treatment was emergency care related to a service-connected disability or an aggravating condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing at the Los Angeles RO due to procedural issues.

The Board has determined that there is no current skin disorder of the feet, and thus service connection for a skin disorder or rash on the left foot, right foot, left leg, and right leg is denied.

The Veteran's disability rating for neurocardiogenic syncope and presyncope remains at 40 percent throughout the entire rating period on appeal, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal, finding that while there was administrative error by the VA in failing to respond to his October 2010 statement of divorce, he also contributed to the overpayment by continuing to accept full compensation benefits despite knowing he was not entitled to them.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for non-service connected pension benefits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for numbness in both feet. The Veteran's statements are sufficient to satisfy the third prong of analysis, indicating that his condition may be associated with his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability was dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's 20 percent rating for thoracic strain was restored as the reduction to 0 percent was not in accordance with VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining demand letters and notices of indebtedness related to overpayments. The Veteran's request for waiver of these debts remains under consideration.

The Veteran seeks service connection for chronic myelogenous leukemia, which he claims is related to his exposure to herbicide agents in service. The case is being remanded for further examination and development of the medical records.