Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left knee conditions have been rated based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment, with a current rating of 30 percent for his total knee arthroplasty. The effective date for this rating is July 25, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of medical quality assurance records from West Haven VA Medical Center and providers who performed the Veteran's eye surgeries in 2005.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's metastic nasopharyngeal cancer is related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. The examiner must provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding expenses incurred for the Veteran's last sickness and burial, which is necessary to determine if accrued benefits can be awarded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected residuals of a gynecological disability was denied. The current highest rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes is 30 percent.,The Veteran's claim seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for her gynecological disabilities was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for gouty arthritis, finding no new and material evidence to support the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for breast cancer and an initial compensable rating for herpes simplex virus II due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to provide updated VA treatment records, and a medical examination is required to determine if her conditions are related to service or exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's lower gastrointestinal disorder, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis, is considered to be at least as likely as not incurred during his active military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for VRAP benefits is being remanded due to insufficient information from the certifying official at Cortiva Institute regarding his status as a full-time student.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma, right ear removal, and facial nerve paralysis are service connected. However, there is a need for additional development to determine if the Veteran also has a right eye disability related to his treatment for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any thoracic/lumbar spine disability as it relates to service.

The Veteran's mononeuritis multiplex of the left upper extremity was caused by a VA surgery in October 2010, and the claim is granted as compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's earlier effective date for additional compensation for a dependent spouse is granted as of June 22, 2007 due to his receipt of disability compensation at a 30 percent rate or greater.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether rectal pain and anal leakage are caused by a transrectal biopsy performed in November 2008, and if there was fault on the part of VA during the procedure.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for denying the Veteran's dental claim. The case will be returned to the RO to ensure an adequate Statement of the Case (SOC) on this issue, including obtaining any outstanding VA treatment records since July 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder due to Gulf War hazards, reopening the previously denied claim of service connection. The Veteran's skin condition is considered related to his active military service in the Southwest Asia Theater.

The Board denied service connection for left and right hand cold injury residuals as there was no competent evidence linking the current symptoms to in-service exposure.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for ankylosing spondylitis of the lumbar spine and right thigh disability is denied. The case is remanded to obtain a retrospective addendum opinion from a qualified physician regarding the severity of the Veteran’s service connected right hip disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as a surviving spouse for VA purposes due to her divorce from the Veteran, which is not considered a valid basis under VA regulations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for nonservice-connected disability pension, and the case is dismissed.