Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a stroke and shin splints as there was no current disability established, the in-service event could not be linked to the disabilities, and the requirements for service connection were not met.

The Veteran's left-hand thumb fracture s/p surgery is remanded due to the need for a contemporaneous examination and consideration of flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos during service and the cause of his mesothelioma death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for clarification on the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange and a need for an etiological opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has denied service connection for insomnia, snoring, elevated transaminase levels, hyperlipidemia, and chest pain as there is no diagnosed disability in the record.

The Board has denied service connection for cold injury to the feet and remanded issues regarding bilateral bunions and hammertoes due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's skin condition of the face is rated as noncompensable due to lack of manifestation on at least 5% of exposed areas or entire body, and no systemic therapy required.

The Veteran's left foot disorder, including residuals of deep lesions, is considered to have persisted since his service. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left eye disorder, finding that his statements are credible and consistent with available evidence. The current eye disorder is deemed to be due to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for patellofemoral pain syndrome and instability of his knees. The case is being remanded to obtain relevant VA treatment records, conduct a new examination, and ensure compliance with the requirements set forth in Correia v. McDonald.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right foot disability, as it relates to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for unexplained weight loss, finding no current disability of unexplained weight loss and thus not meeting one of the requirements for service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's skin condition may be related to his military service, but needs further examination and evidence before a final decision can be made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability warrants a 40% rating under Diagnostic Code 5167, effective March 18, 2009. Additionally, entitlement to SMC for loss of use of the foot and ankle is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left thumb disorders, diagnosed as De Quervain syndrome and basal joint DJD, are related to her in-service duties as a machinist. As such, service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to toxic chemicals during his Air Force Reserve service. The claims will be further developed with VA examinations and updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the issue of an increased payment rate for survivor’s pension benefits needs to be addressed in a Statement of the Case (SOC). The matter is therefore REMANDED.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disorder, finding that he does not have a separate disability from his already service-connected back condition.

The Board has granted service connection for cancer of the tongue due to herbicide exposure and also grants service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, which is listed as cancer of the tongue.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than panic attacks and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's schizotypal personality disorder and alcohol use disorder are not related to his military service.