Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has deferred its consideration of the Veteran’s new and material evidence claim due to an inextricably intertwined issue (CUE) regarding a previous rating decision, as it could affect the outcome of the pending petition to reopen. The CUE claim will be adjudicated first.

The Board has granted a 100% disability rating for the Veteran's parasomnia with sleep terrors from March 5, 1997 to January 6, 2009. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU was dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service military occupational specialty as a metal worker.

The Veteran's service-connected laryngeal cancer, remission with residual gag attacks and muscle cramps has worsened since his last VA examination. The Board is remanding the case to schedule a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity.

The Veteran's left hip degenerative joint disease is rated at 10 percent, which covers painful motion. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his range of motion does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and denied the claim as it is not related to active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation during service, which is a necessary step in determining whether his multiple myeloma may be related to such exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic prostatitis has been reopened and is now pending. The Board found new evidence (a May 2018 private examination) that relates to a current disability, thus granting the reopening of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the adequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and an apparent increase in severity of the Veteran's back disability. A new VA examination is required.

The appeal for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's mood disorder disability is granted at a 70% rating since July 2, 2013. The heart disease disability remains rated at 60%. Both conditions are found to meet the criteria for their respective ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left elbow and left hand disabilities due to further development of the record, including obtaining treatment records and arranging for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's hypogonadism of the right testicle has worsened, and additional evidence suggests it may be associated with urinary symptoms. The Board is remanding the case for an examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected condition and whether any new symptoms are related to his service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of an overpayment of nonservice-connected disability pension, finding that the fault and unjust enrichment on the Veteran's part outweighed any claim of financial hardship. The Veteran was advised to report changes in income but failed to do so, leading to the creation of the overpayment.

The Veteran's eligibility for VRAP benefits from January 22, 2013 to May 18, 2013 is granted as he maintained full-time enrollment.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability and a dental disability (for compensation purposes) as the evidence did not support an etiological link to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of discussion on service connection for Lewy Body dementia disorder related to herbicide exposure. A medical opinion is needed to determine if there is at least a 50% chance that the condition is related to service.

The Veteran's kidney disorder, diagnosed as microalbuminuria, is granted secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The bilateral eye disability and hypertension are both rated at their maximum levels, while erectile dysfunction remains denied.

The Veteran's son, M.B., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to his 18th birthday due to disabilities including cerebral palsy and learning disorders. The Board granted recognition as a helpless child.