Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) found that the decedent did not have qualifying service with the United States Armed Forces or affiliated forces, and therefore is not eligible for VA death benefits including DIC, death pension, or accrued benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected calluses of the left foot and right foot have been granted increased disability ratings to 20 percent each, effective prior to June 19, 2015.

The Board found no current right lower extremity disorder and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral eye disability, including keratitis, non-trachomatous papillary allergic conjunctivitis, and dry eye syndrome, was not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease (PVD) of the bilateral lower extremities is not related to service or secondary to his service-connected cold injury residuals, and thus denies the claim.

The Board found that the January 1982 rating decision correctly applied the presumption of soundness and did not contain clear and unmistakable error. The claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of L4-S1 laminectomy and posterior fusion was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and his TDIU claim is denied as he has not established that his service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient to produce unemployability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 1, 2004 for adding D.A. as a dependent spouse for VA compensation purposes due to legal issues related to his divorce from A.A.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye condition is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's DJD of the left thumb and right hip disorder are not service-connected as there is no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood did not cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to October 28, 2015. From that date onward, the evidence does not show a level of impairment warranting an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right cubital tunnel syndrome and right elbow epicondylitis are service-connected as they are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic sleep disorder is related to his service in Southwest Asia, and thus grants service connection for this condition under provisions applicable to undiagnosed illnesses.

The Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal in January 2017, including those related to service connection and rating for various conditions.

The Veteran's hallux valgus of the right foot is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating authorized under the diagnostic code. The criteria for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's PRK surgery residuals, including haze, astigmatism and diplopia of the left eye are related to service. Service connection is granted for status post photorefractive keratectomy with residual haze and astigmatism, left eye.

The appellant is not recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of VA benefits, including death pension benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging a new VA examination.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed right index finger disability, as the current evidence does not sufficiently address this issue.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant does not qualify for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.