Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's increased disability ratings for left and right hand arthritis have been granted, with the effective date being April 25, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left herniorrhaphy with left orchiectomy is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the disability rating for his service-connected lower mandible condition and TDIU prior to January 26, 2012. The Board is dismissing these claims.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 10, 2016. The maxillary retention cyst with sinusitis remains non-compensable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's esophageal cancer is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation of his left ring finger laceration residuals was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5227 or any other applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for a varicose vein disability as secondary to his service-connected right femur contusion/strain disability. The Board has determined that additional development, including a supplemental medical opinion, is needed.

The Board found that the overpayment of VA pension benefits in the amount of $66,913.00 was the result of misrepresentation on the part of the appellant (Veteran's spouse). As a result, waiver of recovery is precluded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's myelofibrosis is related to service, while his h. pylori is not.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a gallbladder disability that was incurred or aggravated during his military service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran died in 1954 and is buried in a private cemetery. The VA does not have authority to provide a government-furnished headstone or marker for the Veteran's privately-marked grave because he died before November 1, 1990.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right eye disorder, including presbyopia, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with depressive mood resulted in occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decreased work efficiency and ability to perform tasks only during periods of significant stress. The rating assigned is 10 percent for the period prior to October 21, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) of the jaw and paresthesia of the right side of the face are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and private treatment records. The Veteran's left hip disorder is being evaluated to determine if it is related to his service-connected right eye disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment. The proximate cause of his death was determined to be an event not reasonably foreseeable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mitral valve prolapse is a congenital defect and not related to service, and her periods of chest pain have no known etiology.,Service connection for both conditions cannot be established as they are not shown to be due to or aggravated by service-connected tachycardia.

The case is being remanded due to the lack of substantial compliance with prior remands and unclear notification regarding a VA examination. The Veteran's current address needs to be verified, and he should be scheduled for an examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his spindle cell lipoma.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's dental condition, as well as to address his claim for TDIU. The claims will be adjudicated again after this additional development.