Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for Total Disability Rating for Compensation Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to May 6, 2014. The Board finds that additional development is needed and remands the case.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new and additional evidence being submitted by the Veteran, which requires further review and consideration.

The Veteran received dialysis treatments at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center from August 19, 2015 to September 17, 2015. The Board found that Mather VAMC could not provide adequate dialysis care and granted travel benefits for round-trip mileage from his home in Sacramento to the Palo Alto VAMC.

The Board has denied the claims for claustrophobia and insomnia. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's current diagnoses of depression and dysthymic disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because they died during the pendency of their appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to proceed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a knocked out tooth is remanded due to the need for additional VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as SSA disability benefits records.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected left hip strain is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination and additional records.

The Veteran's impairment of central visual acuity, loss of superior half of left eye visual field, constriction of right eye visual field, and left eye scotoma have been granted a rating of 70 percent each.

The Board has remanded the claims for a temporary 100 percent evaluation for intermittent atrial fibrillation based on hospitalization, an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for intermittent atrial fibrillation, and entitlement to a TDIU due to incomplete records and need for updated medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not cover the medical expenses incurred for a right hand and wrist laceration. The Veteran was not enrolled in VA healthcare during the 24 months prior to the treatment, so he is not eligible for reimbursement.

The Veteran's service-connected neurological deficit with drop foot of the left lower extremity results in severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve with marked muscular atrophy, warranting a 60 percent rating. The Board found that his symptoms have been stable throughout the appeal period and denied any higher or separate ratings.

The Board found that the appellant's notice of disagreement with respect to the October 2008 rating decision denying accrued benefits was timely filed. The matter is therefore remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case on this issue.

The Veteran's cause of death was not due to any service-connected condition, including those potentially related to herbicide or radiation exposure. The Board found no evidence linking the esophageal cancer to his military service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for cancerous colon polyp status post excision is denied as there are no current residuals due to the procedure.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a urinary disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and his military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish secondary service connection due to his service-connected sinusitis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to January 13, 2014, and higher disability ratings for cervical, dorsal and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's right elbow pain and weakness are granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder injury. The initial disability rating for the right shoulder prior to May 23, 2016 is granted at 20 percent, while a higher rating is denied after that date.

The Veteran's left foot neuralgia has been rated at 40 percent since October 26, 2010. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the service-connected left foot disability.

The Veteran's social phobia resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in several areas, but not total impairment. The Board denied an increased evaluation for the disability.