Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left foot hallux valgus with bunionectomy, residual scar, and hammertoes of digits 2, 3, and 4 was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to January 10, 2011.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic carcinoma with an unknown primary, which is presumed to be due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Board found that the prostate cancer, a disease presumptively associated with Agent Orange exposure, was the cause of the metastatic carcinoma and thus contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for an advisory opinion regarding the cause of death. The appellant claims her husband's death was caused by exposure to Agent Orange, but there is uncertainty about his heart condition and missing medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental condition is denied. The Board finds that additional development is necessary before the issues of reoccurring Bartholin cyst and right great toenail removal can be decided.

The Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals of the left foot are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds no higher rating is warranted as there is no evidence of amputation or other specific complications that would allow for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's hyperkeratosis of the bilateral hands and feet is being remanded for a VA examination to determine its nature, etiology, and relationship to service.

The Veteran's service connection for neurogenic bladder is denied an earlier effective date prior to December 31, 2009. The TDIU claim has been granted with an effective date of November 8, 2004.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 18, 2014, for the award of nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied as there is no evidence showing he was unemployable due to permanent and total disabilities until that date.

The Veteran's cause of death, arteriosclerotic heart disease, is not service-connected as there is no evidence linking it to his military service. The Board found insufficient evidence for presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly assess the appellant's monthly countable income during the overpayment period and her current financial status. The appellant should provide her complete work history, copies of her federal income tax returns, and a current financial disclosure form.

The appellant withdrew her appeal regarding the Veteran's cause of death, and thus the issue is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hallux valgus and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected temporomandibular disorder (TMJ) is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his disability. The Veteran's bilateral keratoconus is also remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his post-operative residuals of hammer toe of the bilateral fifth toes with hallux valgus was granted prior to February 28, 2018. From that date, he is entitled to a 30 percent evaluation for this condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected Hiatal Hernia and his Acute Ascending Aortic Dissection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's in-service herbicide exposure and his death from metastatic esophageal cancer. The appellant contends that the cause of death is related to Agent Orange exposure, but the VA needs to provide a comprehensive opinion addressing this theory.

The Veteran's monthly VA disability compensation award was reduced due to incarceration, and a 20 percent apportionment of the award for his dependent son S.J.N. is granted from October [redacted], 2009 to November [redacted], 2017.

The appellant wishes to withdraw all of the claims pending on appeal.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits as she is not a child of the Veteran's surviving spouse and did not pay any expenses related to her death.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected left hand condition and for TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.