Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral cataracts and edema of the bilateral hands are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected asbestos-induced pleural disease. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's liver and skin disabilities were not found to be related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The Board determined that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right index and long fingers have been rated as 10 percent disabling, but his symptoms do not warrant an increased rating. The Veteran's residuals of a fracture of the right ring and little fingers are currently evaluated as noncompensable.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal regarding his claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (back condition).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's myasthenia gravis is etiologically related to his active service and has granted the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the overpayment of $28,737.67 was properly calculated and created due to the Veteran's outstanding felony warrant for obstructing justice. The debt was validly created and calculated by VA. The Veteran is primarily at fault in generating the debt, as he continued to accept benefits despite being aware of his outstanding warrant. Recovery would be against equity and good conscience due to financial hardship caused by the overpayment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Peyronie's disease is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's chronic lymphocytic leukemia and brain meningioma were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Board found that continuity of symptomatology was not established.

The Veteran's left hip disability has worsened since the last VA examination, and a new one is needed to determine an appropriate rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a vision disability is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim, including private opinions, VA and private treatment records, and the Veteran’s testimony regarding his in-service injuries and symptoms.

The Veteran's bunion and hallux valgus of the right foot have changed since his last VA examination, necessitating a new evaluation. The case is remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for circulatory disability of the lower and upper extremities were denied as there is no evidence to support a current diagnosis or that these conditions are related to service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran is granted a 60 percent rating for restrictive airway disease from November 19, 2010 to August 31, 2012. The appeal is denied as the Veteran does not meet criteria for a 100 percent rating prior to September 1, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for spondylolisthesis L5-S1 and TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate examination records, the need for updated VA treatment records, and the requirement of providing a notification letter concerning his claim of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to waiver of recovery of overpayment of educational assistance benefits (Post-9/11 GI Bill). The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disability is not related to his military service, and thus, denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil is due to service and has been granted service connection.

The Board has restored a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected liver transplant, finding that the reduction to 30 percent was improper due to the Veteran's failure to report for a required reexamination without good cause.