Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bilateral heel stress fractures with fasciitis were rated at 10% prior to July 10, 2015 and increased to 30% thereafter. The left leg sprain was granted a compensable rating.,Effective from July 17, 2003, the Veteran's service-connected bilateral heel stress fractures with fasciitis were rated at 30%, while his left leg sprain received a separate compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atrial fibrillation is not related to his active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's countable income exceeded the maximum limit for death pension benefits on and after February 1, 2011.

The Veteran's original claim for hernia disability was received in January 1972, and the RO reopened his claim in August 2008. Service connection was granted based on STRs showing a pre-existing hernia that worsened during service.

The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome affecting both knees is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5257 (recurrent subluxation or lateral instability). The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there is no actual or functional instability in either knee. Flexion and extension are limited to 130 degrees in both knees, with no additional limitation of motion due to flare-ups, fatigability, incoordination, weakness, or pain on movement.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for the curriculum vitae of the VA examiner who provided the July 2017 medical opinion.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected left shin splints did not result in moderate knee or ankle disability, and thus denied a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's claim for a restoration of his 20 percent rating for seminal vesiculitis/prostatitis/epididymitis from June 10, 2008 is granted. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for the disability remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for back strain as there is no evidence of a nexus between the in-service injury and the current disability.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion on whether the service-connected left Achilles tendonitis aggravated the right Achilles tendon partial tear with fibrosis. The Veteran's claim remains pending and will be readjudicated after compliance with this directive.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed cardiovascular disability, including ischemic heart disease, and thus cannot establish service connection for such condition.

The Veteran is receiving a combined VA compensation rating of 90 percent for multiple service-connected disabilities and also in receipt of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The appellant did not suffer a hardship during the appeal period, as she receives $1,974 per month from her income which exceeds her monthly expenses. Therefore, an award of an apportionment of the Veteran's compensation benefits is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, including mitral regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, and patent foramen ovale, was not aggravated during active service. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot and right great toe disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after service, and there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is due to standing and running in unsupportive boots during active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for a bowel obstruction and her diagnosed duodenal ulcer is attributable to her service-connected chronic low back strain. The abdominal hernia was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected total abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy with adhesions and residuals of night sweats and hot flashes. Her left shoulder disorder did not manifest in active service or within one year of active service; it is not otherwise related to active service; and it was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected chronic low back strain. The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, has been granted as secondary to service-connected hypertension and/or chronic low back strain.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of arthritis is at least as likely as not related to his in-service automobile accidents and places him on restricted duty, which supports a finding of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a copy of the March 2011 colonoscopy report and the February 2011 colonoscopy consult report from VistA imaging system.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a hearing held before the Board, and no specific errors of fact or law have been alleged.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left ankle disability. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.