Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's keloid formation of the groin is found to have its onset during his active service and granted service connection. The other issues on appeal are not addressed as they were closed out or denied.

The Board has determined that the record is incomplete and requires additional development, including locating the Veteran's submissions from December 2015 to May 2016. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The appellant does not meet the statutory definition of a child as defined in 38 U.S.C.A. § 101(4)(A) and did not bear expenses for the Veteran's or widow's last sickness and burial, thus denying the claim for accrued benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of bilateral mandible fracture are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence showing preexisting conditions aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for nose bleeds, finding that the Veteran's current condition is attributable to in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The skin rash issue remains pending and will be remanded as instructed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing documents and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity neurological disorder is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current sinus disorder and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a splenectomy incurred in service, resolving reasonable doubt in the appellant's favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease is not related to his service-connected status post 5th metatarsal fracture, right foot. Therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cancer of the oropharynx, tongue, and tonsils is related to his exposure to herbicide agents during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his gunshot wound residuals was denied, but he is now receiving TDIU compensation since April 1, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused him to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 28, 2010.

The Board has determined that service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is not warranted, as there is no evidence linking his death to in-service herbicide exposure or asbestos exposure. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis was incurred during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine the current severity of his larynx disability, including whether he has upper airway obstruction and constant inability to speak above a whisper.

The Board has decided to grant service connection for gout, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's skin disability has been rated at the maximum available under the rating schedule, but a separate 10% rating is granted for painful scars on his face. The issue of referral to the Director of Compensation Service for an extra-schedular evaluation remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral varicose veins, entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine (low back disability), and entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected disabilities. The claim for a left knee condition status post arthroplasty was remanded.

The Veteran's right hip disability, diagnosed as right hip avascular necrosis, status post right total hip arthroplasty and revision, and residual right greater trochanteric bursitis, is attributable to service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual limit for special monthly pension benefits on and after November 13, 2013.