Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for a right arm disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between current symptoms and active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for an evaluation higher than 20 percent for bilateral pes cavus with hammer toe deformities and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The remand is in part because of concerns raised regarding loss of use of the feet under 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(a)(2)(i).

The Board denied service connection for a chronic sleep disorder and sleep deprivation as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's Barrett’s esophagitis, which may be related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded because a timely substantive appeal has not been filed contesting the validity of an overpayment debt in a March 2010 DMC administrative decision. The issue will be returned to the Board only if a timely appeal is submitted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left foot hallux valgus, finding that the symptoms were mild or moderate.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 4, 2008 for service connection of residuals of a T9 compression fracture and dorsal spondylosis is denied. The appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for T9 compression fracture and dorsal spondylosis must be denied.

The Board denied the appellant's request to recognize C.W. as the Veteran's adopted child for VA purposes because she did not adopt C.W. within two years of the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a nondisplaced fracture of the left second metacarpal, finding that the Veteran's current hand pain and numbness are related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected adjustment disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's surviving spouse was denied death pension benefits as her income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate for a surviving spouse with no dependents.

The Board has remanded the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for thoracic strain with degenerative changes due to inadequate examination findings and the need for further development.

The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and in-service exposure to sunlight or herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for herpes simplex virus, finding no new and material evidence to support the reopening of his previous claims.

The Board has granted service connection for gout, finding that the Veteran's condition manifested to a compensable degree within one year of his separation from active duty and is a form of arthritis listed in the VA regulations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the change in copayment status, so the Board dismissed the case.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for residuals of chronic bowel obstruction was denied. The VA examiner found the Veteran had moderate symptoms, but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for gout, finding that there was no evidence linking his current diagnosis of gout to his military service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any fault on the part of VA, and therefore his claim for dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral foot injury was granted with an effective date of April 6, 2015. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is April 6, 2015.