Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities are rated at 20 percent each, effective throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected deviated septum is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The Board found that his condition does not warrant a higher rating as there are no additional symptoms or complications beyond complete obstruction on one side.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disability, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between any current skin condition and active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's employment limitations caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's current pelvic disorders, including varicocele, hydrocele, and effects on the testes, are at least as likely as not related to his in-service appendectomy and hernia repair.

The appeal is dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection issues are addressed.

The Board denied entitlement to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the cause of the Veteran’s death and service connection for cause of death due to lack of evidence showing that the Veteran's death was proximately caused by VA treatment, and because his death did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board has decided that the appellant is not eligible for nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to her income exceeding the maximum rate. The case is being remanded to provide additional information on medical expenses and income.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected condition, and the Appellant is not recognized as his surviving spouse for DIC and pension benefits. The issues of service connection for torn right biceps muscle, right middle finger amputation residuals, and increased evaluation for post-operative right cubital/CTS are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his initial rating for lichen planus/urticaria is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board dismissed the appeals for aid and attendance or housebound benefits and survivor’s pension due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied service connection for atrial fibrillation as secondary to service-connected PTSD with insomnia due to the lack of evidence supporting a relationship between the conditions.

The Veteran's paraplegia, bowel dysfunction, and neurogenic bladder are all granted as service-connected. The claim for special monthly compensation is remanded.

The Veteran's overpayment of educational assistance benefits needs to be reviewed due to her service-connected psychiatric disability, and she is requested to provide detailed financial information.

The Veteran's spouse was granted 2 months and 8 days of education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) to cover her fall term tuition. However, due to a misunderstanding by both parties regarding the application of these benefits, they were incorrectly applied to the spring term instead of the fall term. The Board denied the Veteran's request for a change in transfer begin date as per the applicable law and regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for left tonsil cancer and left neck lymph node cancer, both of which are presumed to be caused by exposure to herbicide agents during the Veteran's service in Vietnam. The decision also notes that some issues have been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a neurological disorder of the right and left upper extremities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ear condition, including perforated tympanic membranes and chronic ear infections, was reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions. The Veteran's vertigo is also found to be related to his service-connected perforated tympanic membranes. However, the Veteran's hearing loss disability remains at 30 percent, with no change in effective date.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20 percent for hallux valgus and hallux varus in the right foot, effective from May 15, 2018.

The appellant's application for accrued benefits was not filed within one year of the Veteran’s death, and thus the claim is denied.