Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to any service-connected disability, and the Board found no evidence linking his death to herbicide exposure or other presumptive conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a cardiovascular disability in service or within one year following separation, and concluded that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his service, including residuals of rheumatic fever. The Board determined that the Veteran's heart conditions are more likely due to an aortic valve failure rather than rheumatic fever.

The Veteran's appeal is for an increased evaluation and service connection. The Board has remanded the case to obtain a new VA examination, but the disposition of both issues remains undecided as they are being considered together.

The Veteran's dermatophytosis of the feet and groin is rated at 10 percent since June 24, 2009. The condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating under current or previous VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he wishes to withdraw his claim of entitlement to an increased rating for the service-connected left foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Appellant is not entitled to recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of VA death benefits due to a lack of valid marriage prior to October 10, 1991 in Ohio.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, which has been rated as 10% disabling since June 12, 2012 and now warrants a 30% rating due to favorable ankylosis of the wrist joint, is granted for the period from June 12, 2012 through April 2, 2015.

The case is being remanded for additional development to obtain records from the Veteran's assisted living facilities. The appellant will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling an EMG and a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of the Veteran's right accessory nerve injury and hand numbness.

The Board has ordered a remand to address the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to his left leg disorder, specifically addressing whether VA medical care was at fault in causing any additional disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome was incurred or aggravated by active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed bladder/urinary disorder or prostate disorder during his period of active service and did not find any evidence to support a secondary service connection claim. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the appellant's discharge under other than honorable (OTH) conditions was due to willful and persistent misconduct, which constitutes a bar to VA benefits. The entire period of service from June 1973 to September 20, 1976 is considered one period of service, and his OTH discharge applies to the whole period.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hip condition, diagnosed as chronic right hip strain, is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions did not warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes. He is currently rated at 10 percent for each of his knee disabilities, with a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of extension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected TMJ and remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent on an extraschedular basis. The Director concluded that the claims file contains no evidence demonstrating an exceptional disability pattern for service-connected TMJ, as the available schedular evaluation is adequate to rate the Veteran's TMJ.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed as the claim was fully resolved by a grant of TDIU in a subsequent rating decision.

The Veteran's son is not eligible for additional accrued benefits as he did not meet the criteria to be considered a child under VA regulations. The appellant has failed to provide evidence of expenses related to his father's last illness and burial.

The Board found no in-service injury to the left eye and thus denied service connection for a left eye disability.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic subluxation of the cervical spine results in paralysis of both lower extremities together with loss of anal and bladder sphincter control, warranting special monthly compensation at the (o) rate.