Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's posterior vitreous detachment of the right eye is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's right eye disorders, including congenital cataract, sensory exotropia, nystagmus, posterior vitreous detachment, amblyopia, microphthalmia, and right large angle strabismus, did not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension was denied as he did not have active service during a period of war, and therefore does not meet the eligibility criteria.

The Veteran's panic disorder without agoraphobia is found to be incurred during his active military service and granted service connection.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 24, 1997 for the award of service connection for cause of death and pension benefits based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death, esophageal cancer, is causally related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. As a result, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a respiratory disability and his symptoms are best described as an undiagnosed illness. Therefore, service connection for a respiratory disability is denied.

The Veteran's post-operative appendectomy with adhesions was granted a maximum schedular evaluation of 50 percent effective August 15, 2017. The issue has been recharacterized as the Veteran now receives a 50% rating for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residuals of a laceration of the left hand first and third digits, finding that there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on painful or unstable scars.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits as her deceased spouse did not have qualifying service for VA benefits.

The Veteran's athlete's foot disability has affected less than five percent of his entire body or exposed areas, and he has treated this disability with only topical therapy. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not rated higher due to the lack of unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding his heart condition and determining whether he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic osteoporosis of the back was denied as there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.

The Veteran's right hip tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no ankylosis or significant limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a service connection claim for Hodgkin's lymphoma or blood clot disorder of the left leg.,There was insufficient medical evidence to establish a causal link between the Veteran's conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's prostate disorder and skin disorders were not shown to be related to service or herbicide exposure, and thus denied service connection.

The Board denied service connection for hand tremors, finding that the Veteran's essential tremor was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not proximately due to a service-connected disease or injury.

The Board has decided to remand this case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's onychomycosis does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7806, as less than 5% of his total body area and exposed areas are affected by the condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for mixed astigmatism cannot be reopened as there is no new and material evidence to support it. The previous denial was based on the fact that mixed astigmatism is not considered a disability under VA regulations.