Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's left eye retinitis has been rated at 100 percent, and he is granted SMC under 38 U.S.C.S. § 1114(m) due to his right eye disorder with no light perception.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lupus erythematosus and an initial compensable rating for nephropathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating for nephropathy, as his condition did not warrant a higher rating based on albumin or casts with history of acute nephritis, hypertension, edema, or decreased kidney function.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for arthritis and trigger fingers.

The Board granted service connection for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) incurred during active duty for training in the Oklahoma Air National Guard from September 14, 2008 to June 9, 2009.

The Veteran's heart disability, including chronic congestive heart failure and left bundle branch block resulting from his service-connected atrial septal defect repair, is rated at 100 percent. The residuals of multiple rib fractures are rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the appellant's income exceeded the maximum allowable for nonservice-connected death pension benefits, and thus terminated her benefits. The claim for restoration of these benefits was denied.

The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his cartilage condition and instability of the right knee, effective July 15, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) did not manifest in service, is not otherwise related to service, and is not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection for PLMD is denied.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of endometriosis and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board finds that there is no competent evidence of a diagnosis of arthritis in either foot, and therefore denies the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot arthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for veteran status for purposes of basic eligibility to VA benefits due to a lack of service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic staph infections are manifested by a tender boil measuring approximately 5 centimeters by 3 centimeters. The Board has determined that the criteria for a rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for chronic staph infections have been met.

The Veteran's widow was granted an allowance for aid and attendance in September 2007, effective January 2007. She died prior to receiving the benefits, and the appellant is not a legal recipient of accrued benefits as he does not meet the statutory definition of 'child' under 38 U.S.C. § 101(4)(A). The estate of the widow is also not eligible for accrued benefits due to the lack of timely adjudication.

The Board found that the Veteran's numbness and tremors of the bilateral hands, restless leg syndrome, and numbness of the bilateral feet are not related to active service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has determined that additional development, including a VA examination and medical opinion, is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder present in the Veteran.

The Veteran's right hip DJD with limitation of flexion is rated at 10 percent, effective from February 14, 2017. The earlier period remains unchanged.

The Board found that the Veteran's cerebellar ataxia is a congenital defect and not service-connected. The examiner determined there was no evidence of aggravation during active duty, and no causal relationship between his service-connected disabilities and his balance disorder.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and granted it, finding that the Veteran's unspecified trauma- and stressor-related disorder is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and the need to obtain outstanding treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disorder and degenerative joint disease of the right hand, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.