Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for esophageal cancer, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his in-service herbicide exposure. The preponderance of the evidence did not support a relationship between the Veteran’s esophageal cancer and his active duty service.

The Veteran's iritis of the left eye is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination during an episode of iritis.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine resulted in limited range of motion prior to April 17, 2017. From April 17, 2017, her condition did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the residuals of VA-authorized colon resection surgery in April 1994 and subsequent cancer treatment, as well as for colorectal cancer due to treatment at a VA medical facility, are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to additional pertinent evidence being associated with his case since the January 2017 supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip strain was not productive of ankylosis, fracture, malunion, nonunion of the joint or flail hip joint, and did not manifest limitation of flexion to 45 degrees, limitation of extension to 5 degrees, limitation of rotation such that the Veteran cannot toe-out more than 15 degrees, or limitation of abduction with motion lost beyond 10 degrees. The Board found no evidence supporting a higher rating for the entire initial rating period on appeal.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's breast pain and numbness, which she claims are related to her in-service breast reduction surgery. The issue will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's eye disability, specifically his exotropia and status post strabismus surgery, has not been properly evaluated due to incomplete medical records. The Board finds that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected exotropia.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service, and further development is needed to determine if he had qualifying wartime service for death pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's left ulnar nerve disability. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include personality disorder, is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability other than the personality disorder.

The Veteran's chondromalacia patella and synovitis of the right knee are rated at 10% from September 1998 until December 21, 2004. A separate 10% rating is granted for synovitis during this period.

The Veteran's hernia condition has worsened, and he is willing to undergo a new VA examination. The case is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records from the Miami VAMC and schedule an examination.

The Veteran's spouse is denied eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs death benefits due to remarriage after the age of 57, which precludes recognition as a surviving spouse.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current multiple myeloma disability was incurred during his active duty service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran is granted an extra-schedular disability rating of 60 percent for her service-connected reactive airway disease prior to December 4, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ventricular hypertrophy with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was incurred during active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded both claims of service connection for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and entitlement to TDIU due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's exposure to hazardous chemicals during her military service. The claims are pending further development.

The Veteran's death was caused by intoxication of cocaine and opiates, which is not related to his service-connected disabilities. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's gynecological disorder, including irregular menses, menorrhagia, methrorragia, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia, is found to have begun during active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.