Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for tailbone disability and stomach disability (ulcers) due to lack of current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Burkitt lymphoma is remanded due to the lack of presumptive service connection based on exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, but a direct service connection examination is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds, to the right side of back with degenerative changes of thoracic spine is remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination and the need for further medical assessment.

The Board denied service connection for low back, right leg, and right foot disorders as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the service-connected condition.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 60 percent disability rating for nephrolithiasis and reinstated his total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The decision also denied a higher rating for nephrolithiasis.

The Veteran's narcolepsy with cataplexy is being remanded for additional examination and consideration of his claim.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's leg cramps, which are currently considered service-connected. The issue will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hip disorder is secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability and/or bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's restless leg syndrome was not incurred during active duty and is not otherwise related to military service, including as a result of presumed herbicide agent exposure or secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for left radial nerve compression, but denied the claim itself due to lack of a causal link between the current condition and the in-service injury.

The Board found that the VA Healthcare Eligibility Center (HEC) incorrectly calculated the Veteran's income in this case, but determined that it was reasonable to consume a portion of his net worth for his maintenance. The change in copayment status from exempt to means test required for the period March 24, 2014 through March 23, 2015, was proper.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disorder, finding that replaceable missing teeth are not disabilities for which compensation may be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected right hand metacarpal fracture disability is being remanded for additional examination and development due to the need for updated medical evidence and consideration of whether there has been a worsening of his condition since the last VA examination.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the appellant is eligible for accrued benefits due and payable to the Veteran's surviving spouse.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including cognitive impairment, hallucinations, and lapses in consciousness, are being remanded for further evaluation. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to the overlap with the PTSD rating issue.

The Board found the appellant's net worth is not excessive and does not serve to protect her assets or build up her estate for heirs, as it would be depleted prior to her statistical life expectancy. Therefore, the appeal in this case is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral restless leg syndrome, as well as his claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The reasons include the need to obtain an appropriate VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral restless leg syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for urinary stress incontinence with hematuria prior to November 18, 2015 is denied. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for the same condition from November 18, 2015 is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for postoperative residuals of an occipital meningioma and a pituitary microadenoma, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for residuals of a left foot fracture is being remanded due to the need for additional development and assessment.