Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's right hand condition clearly and unmistakably preexisted service or is otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's esophageal cancer, which was service connected prior to his death, is related to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service. As a result, the cause of the Veteran's death is now considered service-connected.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, claimed as hammertoes and arthritis, is found to be related to service due to in-service symptoms and continued post-service symptoms. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for his bilateral eye disorder is pending.

The Board found no evidence of a skin disorder related to service, including exposure to burn pits or toxins in Iraq. The Veteran's current skin conditions are attributed to sun-exposure.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating and TDIU based on residuals of circumcision was denied. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation, and there were no service-connected conditions related to his urinary frequency or incontinence issues. Service connection for cause of death due to service-connected disability was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for prostate disability.

The Veteran's colon cancer was not incurred in active service and is not due to herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or connection between the Veteran's service and his condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for discoid lupus. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has ordered a dose estimate related to the Veteran's claimed exposure to ionizing radiation during service. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development and readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed chronic otitis externa is not etiologically related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected vocal cord dysfunction has been rated at 60 percent since October 26, 2007. The claim for SMC based on complete organic aphonia is denied as the evidence does not show a constant inability to communicate by speech.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bladder condition is not etiologically related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his skin disorders, specifically focusing on whether any diagnosed skin disorder had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service. The claim will be readjudicated based on the entirety of the evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a recurrent right hand disorder and a scar, residual of treatment for a recurrent right hand disorder. However, the Veteran's claim for a recurrent left hand disorder remains denied.

A higher rating of 10 percent for right foot hallux valgus with bunion deformity is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.,A higher rating of 10 percent for left foot hallux valgus with bunion deformity is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion from a VA physician regarding the etiology and onset of any diagnosed left lower extremity disabilities. The Veteran's service-connected pes planus is also to be considered in relation to her claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected paralysis of the left peroneal nerve is shown to have been productive of complaints of pain and foot drop, but not complete paralysis as defined by VA regulations. The criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent are not met.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's spouse had a pending claim for VA benefits at the time of her death, and she was entitled to accrued benefits. The Appellant is not eligible as a child under VA regulations, so only $1,860 in accrued benefits due to her mother are payable.