Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board previously denied the claim for service connection for SSND, but has now remanded it due to insufficient consideration of private treatment records from the Veteran's Air Force Reserve periods.

The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee was evaluated at a 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion, and denied any higher ratings. The Veteran also had recurrent subluxation rated at 20 percent, but no higher evaluations were granted.

The Veteran's daughter is not eligible for Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits because she was over the age of 26 when her father received a permanent and total disability rating, which made her eligible.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for traumatic arthritis of the right fifth finger prior to December 3, 2013, is denied. From December 3, 2013, a 20 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran did not have qualifying wartime service and therefore, is not eligible for death pension benefits.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer, effective from February 28, 2007.

The claim of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for the Veteran's right second digit hammertoe from May 1, 2015, and thereafter is denied. The claim of entitlement to extension of a temporary total (100%) convalescence rating beyond March 31, 2015, pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 for right second digit hammertoe is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of buttocks and both feet due to service-connected peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran needs a VA examination to clarify his reported impairment in the use of his feet and buttocks, and determine if it is related to his service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a waiver of overpayment due to his incarceration, finding that recovery would not be against equity and good conscience.

The Veteran's service-connected L5 sacralization and spondylosis does not meet the criteria for a special home adaptation grant, as it does not result in blindness or severe burns. The appeal is remanded to determine if he requires aid and attendance.

The Veteran received emergency treatment at Tampa General Hospital for a cardiovascular accident. The hospital made reasonable attempts to transfer the Veteran to a VA facility, but no beds were available until December 23, 2015. The Board found that TGH met the requirements for payment or reimbursement of non-emergency medical expenses incurred from November 2 to December 22, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral keratoconus was granted with an effective date of September 2, 1988.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at LRMC on January 25, 2013 were denied as there was no emergent condition and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of removal of toenails of both feet except for great toenails is granted. The Veteran's claim for arthritis of both feet is denied. The Veteran's claim for increased rating for loss of use of the right hand is granted at a 70% disability rating. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Veteran's digestive disability, claimed as peritonitis, short bowel syndrome and incontinence, is granted under 38 U.S.C. § 1151. Service connection for erectile dysfunction, depression, and surgical scars secondary to this condition are remanded.

The Veteran served in Vietnam and the appellant is his biological son. The appellant claims he has Asperger's syndrome due to his father's exposure to Agent Orange, but there is no evidence of spina bifida or a mother who served in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be the cause of his cerebrovascular disability. His PTSD also causes total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating for PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a right arm disability and joint disability due to insufficient clarification of their etiology. The Veteran will need further VA examinations to determine if his disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's exposure to pesticides and herbicides during service, which may be related to his causes of death.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for schwannoma is reopened and the appeal is granted.