Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's hysterectomy is granted service connection, and the issue of whether she has Raynaud's disease related to service is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to an inadequate VA examination that conflated direct and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's TDIU benefits were restored, making the issue moot and therefore dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as the overpayment of $869.79 in VA compensation benefits was properly created and consistent with VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for complete left foot drop is granted, with a 80% disability rating. The Veteran also receives special monthly compensation due to loss of use of the left foot.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity radiculopathies are granted service connection. The Veteran also has a 40% disability rating for his right lower extremity intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and left lower extremity IVDS.

The Board has referred the issue of whether there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a January 2011 rating decision denying the Veteran's claim for a total disability based on unemployability (TDIU). The matter is remanded to allow the RO to decide this CUE issue before the Board can reach an appellate determination.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted in March 2015, and S.C. represented him during the appeal process. The Board finds that S.C. is eligible for attorney fees as he filed a notice of disagreement on his behalf after June 20, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, including bilateral subcentimeter lung nodules, finding that the disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition was denied in July 1997. The Board has not received new and material evidence to reopen this claim. The Veteran's acquired schizoaffective disorder is granted as etiologically related to his active service. The right breast scar issue remains pending, with the need for additional development including a VA examination. The TDIU issue is also pending and will be addressed after necessary development of the increased rating claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in the September 2017 decision, specifically failing to address a medical opinion from Dr. Michael Baaklini and whether any previously diagnosed emphysema had a nexus to military service.

The Veteran's initial 20% disability rating for his right rotator cuff tear is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board denied service connection for colon cancer, finding that the evidence did not support a link to military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's ingrown toenail of the left great toe is rated at 10 percent, and her TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's right Achilles tendonitis is currently rated at the highest available rating of 20 percent, as marked limitation of motion over the entire period on appeal.,The Veteran's left Achilles tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent, reflecting moderate limitation of range of motion.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary due to incomplete opinions regarding the etiology of gynecomastia and hematologic disabilities, specifically sickle cell anemia. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's right hydrocele was previously granted service connection, but the assigned noncompensable rating is being remanded due to lack of a current VA examination.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection issues were decided.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a skin disability, which was secondary to PTSD, has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for loss of balance as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected foot disabilities, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence supporting this claim.