Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right foot disability has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board has now granted a 20 percent rating. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains pending.

The Veteran's initial ratings for residuals of cold injury of the bilateral hands have been granted. The case has been remanded for further development regarding service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a genitourinary disability, including urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The VA healthcare system changed the Veteran's eligibility category from copay exempt to copay required for income year 2016, which was improper. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's death was not related to service, and the appellant did not file a timely application for nonservice-connected burial benefits. As such, the claim is denied.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected hallux valgus with degenerative disease of the left foot is remanded due to worsening symptoms and pain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip and/or lower extremity nerve disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking this condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA education benefits was due to a sole administrative error by VA, and thus grants the appeal.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as myocardial infarction, with other significant conditions including arteriosclerosis and pulmonary congestion and edema. The Board found that the service-connected disability did not contribute to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection due to a cyst disorder with residuals of back pain, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an effective date prior to May 28, 2015 for the grant of Survivors Pension benefits due to a lack of written communication expressing her intent to apply for benefits.

The Veteran's cold injury residuals were granted initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for the right foot and left hand prior to specific dates. From April 25, 2018 onwards, a 20 percent rating was granted for the right foot and from July 18, 2018 onwards, a 30 percent rating was granted.,The Veteran's cold injury residuals were granted initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for the left hand prior to January 15, 2019. From January 15, 2019 onwards, a 30 percent rating was granted.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal for service connection for a lung condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including clarification from the Veteran regarding his intentions and obtaining missing VA and private hospital records.

The Board denied the DIC benefits claim because the Appellant failed to provide necessary documents and did not respond to a request for information.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) as he was already rated 100% disabled and no longer needed the TDIU benefit.

The Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome is rated at 30 percent since May 29, 2018. The Board also granted a TDIU prior to April 23, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of a left varicocelectomy was denied as the evidence did not show three or four unstable or painful scars, and the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7804.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left salpingo oophorectomy is related to her service, including any verified periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence to determine if the Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder contributed to her suicide death. The appellant is asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain relevant records and a medical opinion will be obtained.