Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's dupuytren contracture of the right hand is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for post-herpetic neuralgia, which he claims developed as a result of VA medical treatment. The Board has determined that an examination and opinion are needed to determine if the additional disability was caused by VA carelessness or negligence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a delay in receiving notification of the October 2016 Board hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a Travel Board hearing at the address provided by the Veteran's son.

The Veteran's skin disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that service connection is denied.

The appellant requested a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) at the VA Central Office in Washington DC, but was unable to attend due to travel issues. The case is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board found no evidence of cerebrovascular disease or AVM in service, and the Veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected paroxysmal tachycardia has not resulted in more than four episodes per year of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or other supraventricular tachycardia, which is the criteria for a higher disability rating under DC 7010.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability, including hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and idiopathic subaortic stenosis. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded due to its interdependence with the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected herniated disc (L5-S1) condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's right pectoralis muscle tear has been rated at 40 percent since January 4, 2010. The condition is considered severe with loss of power and weakness.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's residuals of bilateral heel spur disabilities, as well as for additional development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death, acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), was not caused by or a result of service-connected conditions, including exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not support a link between AML and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Veteran's right hand disability is currently rated at 70 percent under the rating criteria for paralysis of the median nerve, which adequately describes his symptoms and impairment. The Board finds that referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.

The Veteran's bilateral dry eye syndrome is rated at 20 percent effective June 24, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a CVA during or immediately following his military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support secondary service connection for the CVA due to atypical chest pain/costochondritis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for genital herpes and a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 19, 2010, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter, for lichen simplex chronicus pruritus scrotum are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of whether the proximate cause of the Veteran's left eye disability was due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of the VA facility care or medical treatment.

The Veteran was diagnosed with rheumatic fever during active service and continues to experience residual symptoms. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a finding of service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever.

The Board has granted service connection for hallux valgus of the left great toe, finding that it is as likely as not related to an in-service injury.