Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory and gastrointestinal disabilities due to missing STRs, inadequate VA examination, and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for initial compensable ratings for scars from basal cell carcinoma. A separate 20 percent rating, but no higher, is granted for three painful scars on the left upper extremity and posterior trunk region.

The Veteran's lung disorder is not service-connected, but he was granted a TDIU effective from June 23, 1986, until August 12, 1993.

The Veteran's service in Vietnam has been confirmed, but his colon cancer is not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure. A VA examination and opinion are needed to determine if the cancer is directly related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot/left great toe disorder due to new and material evidence. However, further development is needed before the merits of the claim can be addressed.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection of the Veteran's cause of death and survivor pension benefits based on income due to incomplete evidence. The PMC must obtain all necessary records, including private and VA medical treatment records, as well as the Veteran’s service treatment and military personnel records.

The Veteran's disability rating for post-traumatic neuroma formation in the right foot was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's essential tremors have worsened since his last VA examination in February 2011, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional development, including an examination of the Veteran's upper extremities and nerves.

The Veteran's claim for additional Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) education benefits for the term beginning May 2013 is denied as he received the maximum amounts of Chapter 33 tuition benefits.

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for chronic right thumb metacarpal phalangeal joint arthritis, post-traumatic right thumb injury, and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected right thumb disability are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, including arthritis and incomplete paralysis of the median and ulnar nerves, is currently rated at 10 percent. The claim for an increased rating has been denied.

The Veteran's left hip and thigh disability is rated at 30 percent effective September 25, 2009. Prior to that date, the disability was rated as 10 percent for the period prior to December 7, 2009, and 20 percent beginning that date. A separate 30 percent evaluation is granted for limitation of flexion of the left hip beginning January 4, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for panic disorder with agoraphobia is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted effective dates of November 18, 2009 for both TDIU and DEA benefits. The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as of that date.

The Board denied accrued benefits because the surviving spouse's claim for increased pension benefits was not filed before her death, and thus did not constitute a valid claim at the time of her death.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear calculations of overpayment and potential errors in housing allowance payments. The Veteran is asked to provide additional information, a clear accounting of how the overpayment was calculated, and an explanation for any erroneous housing allowance payments.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his heart conditions, including congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and ischemic heart disease. The issues are related to whether these conditions are secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Board grants an effective date of October 26, 2012 for the grant of a TDIU rating based on new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran's former representative.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's internal bowel disorder. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the condition existed prior to service and whether it was aggravated by service.