Other conditions decisions — 2017

The case is being remanded for additional information regarding the appellant's medical expenses and income, as well as obtaining SSA payment amounts for 2015 and 2016. The issue of entitlement to nonservice-connected death pension benefits will be reconsidered.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for nephropathy, either on a direct basis or as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's current condition was attributed more likely due to his hypertension and obesity.

The Veteran is entitled to a compensable rating for his left calf strain prior to October 7, 2013. The Board finds the Veteran's symptoms warrant at least a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5311.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need to obtain Army National Guard service medical and personnel records. The appeal is now pending again with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Veteran has a current disability manifested by pubic hair bumps that began during her military service, and the Board finds that this condition is at least as likely as not related to her in-service symptoms. Therefore, service connection for this disability is granted.

The RO granted full benefits for Dependents Education Assistance before December 14, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a left eye disorder and right testicle disorder, finding that the appellant's conditions are as likely as not attributable to injuries incurred during periods of active duty. However, service connection for a heart/cardiovascular disorder is denied due to lack of evidence showing aggravation or otherwise connecting it to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating, reopening service connection claims, and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating or to reopen any of the service connection claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals, post-operative right inguinal hernia. The appellant is seeking a hearing on her TDIU and housebound rate claims.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the TDIU claim prior to May 11, 2012. The Board has dismissed this appeal.

The Veteran's son is not eligible for non-service-connected death pension benefits due to his income exceeding the maximum annual rate.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for ventral hernia prior to June 21, 2012 was granted. The effective date for service connection for the condition was set at March 10, 2003.

The Board has granted separate evaluations of 10 percent each for service-connected chondromalacia patella with popliteal Baker's cyst of the right and left knees, effective March 4, 2010.

The Veteran's emergency medical treatment at Satilla Regional Medical Center from February 22, 2011 to February [redacted], 2011 was approved for reimbursement as it met the criteria of being an emergency and not feasibly available through VA facilities.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence. The expert medical opinion concluded that the service-connected mood disorder did not contribute substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's bilateral shin splints are rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA dermatology examination to determine the nature and etiology of his vitiligo. The examiner will need to consider whether vitiligo was caused by service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II or PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disability is not related to service or any incident during service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including entitlement to a rating in excess of 40 percent for postoperative chorioretinitis and early cataracts, as well as TDIU prior to August 23, 2016.