Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected shaving bumps and his claim for a gastrointestinal disability are both being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a sleep disorder other than OSA, and finds that service connection for this condition is denied. The Veteran's chronic heartburn claim also remains denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and an addendum opinion from a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting a dental examination. The issues of service connection for a dental condition and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss will be reconsidered after this process.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a missing VHA medical appeal file.

The Veteran's laceration of the right middle and ring fingers has been rated at a compensable (10%) level due to painful motion, range of motion loss, weakness, and fatigability.

The Veteran's aortic stenosis is found to be aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 26, 2000, for the award of service connection for chronic otitis media of the left ear is denied. The earliest effective date that may be assigned for the award of service connection is July 26, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and providing a new VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's prostate disorder.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding her claim for death pension benefits, and thus the issue is dismissed.

The Board found that carcinoma of the left tonsil was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral eye disorder and acquired psychological disorder, to include PTSD and MDD, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of B-12 deficient anemia. The May 2016 VA examination concluded that the Veteran's B-12 injections are for treatment of homocysteinemia, which is clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left foot hyperkeratosis were denied as they did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's recurrent small bowel obstructions were rated at 30 percent effective November 2, 2016. The appeal was granted for the initial rating.

The Veteran's service-connected organic brain syndrome has rendered him unemployable since September 29, 1987. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his cognitive disorder NOS (secondary to organic brain syndrome) precludes employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of her claimed urinary disorder.

The Board finds that the appellant's development of squamous cell carcinoma in his right hand was not caused by VA care, treatment, or examination and is therefore denied under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has granted the waiver of recovery of an overpayment of $19,008.00 for VA death pension benefits due to it being against equity and good conscience.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's stroke was caused by the discontinuation of his Plavix medication.