Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's unreimbursed medical expenses, including room and board fees for an independent living facility, exceeded his annual countable income from March 16, 2015 through March 30, 2016, allowing him to qualify for special monthly pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient examination findings. The case will be returned for a proper VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral shin splints, finding that there was no causal relationship between his current condition and any incident during service. The evidence showed that shin splints were noted in service but resolved without further issues.

The appellant's claim for accrued benefits was denied because it was not filed within one year of the death of her mother, who passed away in December 2012.

The Veteran's right leg varicose veins are rated at 10 percent prior to February 9, 2016 and 50 percent from that date. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding the TDIU claim.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.

The Veteran's cause of death was granted service connection effective May 3, 2005. The appeal for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board denied service connection for multiple myeloma as there is no competent evidence that the Veteran now has or ever had this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected injury affecting dorsiflexion of the right foot is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 5312. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records and a need for a VA examination. The Veteran's respiratory disability, including restrictive lung disease, is being reviewed for service connection.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for anorexia because it was granted by a prior rating decision effective June 12, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of SSA records, which are needed to make an informed decision on the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hand and right thigh gunshot wound residuals warrant additional evaluations, as there is evidence suggesting an increase in symptoms since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left thigh involving Muscle Group XV is granted, effective from January 28, 2000.,Effective dates are granted for service connection for residuals of a spinal cord injury and related disorders (neurogenic bladder disorder, neurogenic bowel disorder) on May 4, 2001.

The Veteran's overpayment of nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to an error in calculating the reduction from countable income for unreimbursed medical expenses. The AOJ needs to clarify when some of the listed medical expenses were paid.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing medical records from San Antonio Army Medical Center, which may provide information about the Veteran's cause of death and his service-connected lymphoma.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of perianal fistula surgery is granted a 10 percent evaluation, which corresponds to occasional moderate leakage.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for colon polyps, originally claimed as an intestinal condition. The claim is now remanded to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding whether the disorder had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected pension claim is denied as he does not meet the requirements for a pension due to his alcohol and cocaine dependence, which are considered willful misconduct.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied as he was gainfully employed prior to January 11, 1995.

The Veteran is eligible for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment due to service-connected bilateral macular degeneration resulting in permanent impairment of both eyes with corrected central visual acuity of 20/200 in the better eye.