Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma was not related to his military service and the Board denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the appellant's petition to reopen her claim for accrued benefits in excess of $1,657.00 as no new and material evidence had been received since the April 2012 decision.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for hallux rigidus, left foot disability is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran does not have a current liver disability and the Board finds that service connection is not warranted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran will be notified of any actions required to proceed with these steps.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits due to her deceased spouse, finding that the effective date of the special monthly pension on aid and attendance could not be earlier than December 1, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding alleged negligence during his VA treatment, particularly in relation to falls and spinal therapy.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant filed for burial benefits more than two years after the Veteran's interment. The claim is denied as it is untimely.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to a separate rating for carotid stenosis, and thus the Board dismisses this claim.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension with aid and attendance was denied due to excess income. The Board has ordered a remand to clarify the financial eligibility of the Veteran, including his income and medical expenses from April 2009 to January 2012.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, characterized by frequent panic attacks, depression, memory impairment, and difficulties adapting to stressful circumstances, was rated at 70 percent for the period from December 29, 2014 to August 2, 2016. The rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of chronic venous insufficiency and venous stasis ulcers are not etiologically related to service, including as due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The left arm scar is currently rated as noncompensable. For the period prior to June 10, 2013, the Veteran's service connected diabetes mellitus type II does not warrant a compensable rating. The reduction from 20 percent to a 10 percent rating for diabetes mellitus type II was proper.

The Veteran's service-connected restless leg syndrome is found to be the primary cause of his sleeplessness, including insomnia and dyssomnia. The Board finds that this condition has been established as a direct result of his military service.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer is rated at 10 percent, effective March 3, 2016. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's pruritis ani with rectal seepage is currently rated at 10 percent, effective March 3, 2016. The Board found that the evidence supported a 30 percent rating based on occasional involuntary bowel movements necessitating use of absorbent materials.,The Veteran's anal rash has been rated as noncompensable under Diagnostic Code 7806 due to lack of skin involvement affecting at least five percent of the entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy required.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking the cancer to a period of military service or an already service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that more development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral pes planus and arthritis of the feet disabilities. The case is REMANDED for these purposes.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the bilateral lower extremities are productive of persistent edema, which warrants a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left heel callus was granted, with the effective date being determined by VA. The decision also addressed secondary service connection claims for neck, hip, and big toe disabilities.