Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including a personality disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's scleroderma is being remanded for further evaluation due to conflicting evidence regarding in-service exposure and the need for an addendum opinion from a VA clinician.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for esophageal cancer as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip condition, including on secondary basis, was reopened and granted. The Board found that the evidence supports aggravation of the hip condition by his service-connected knee and back disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic bilateral hip disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a hip condition during his active service and that it did not manifest within one year after separation. The Board also found that the Veteran’s bilateral hip disorder was less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service connected thoracic spine disability, cervical spine disability, or right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's spouse is denied eligibility for VA death pension benefits as she was not living continuously with the Veteran at the time of his death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right foot drop, as well as her bowel and bladder conditions. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for death pension benefits as his service was not verified and he did not have qualifying wartime service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for left femur stress fracture was denied. The VA determined that the disability did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's bilateral shin splints are rated at 30% since April 2019, with higher ratings not warranted. The appeal is granted for increased ratings.

The Veteran's left index finger status-post arthrodesis is currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for ankylosis of the left index finger has been granted. The Veteran’s bilateral pinguecula does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected right middle lobe adenocarcinoma (quiescent) status-post lobectomy is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal regarding increased disability ratings for a fracture of the right pubic bone and thigh impairment was dismissed due to their death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a retroactive payment of CRDP benefits, finding that the amount awarded ($6,441.39) was proper based on VA notification letters and an audit worksheet.

The Board denied service connection for vision impairment as there was no evidence of an eye injury or disease during service.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and therefore the appellant is not eligible for a transportation allowance as her deceased parent was buried in a private cemetery.

The Veteran's left ear residuals of mastoiditis with surgery is granted an initial rating of 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear information on when and how the Veteran's hiatal hernia symptoms worsened, requiring further development of his medical records.

The Veteran's parental rights to his children T.W., C.W., M.W., S.S.W., S.A.W., and E.W. were terminated in August 2012, but he may still be entitled to additional dependency benefits if they are found to be stepchildren and members of his household. The Board has remanded the case for further information on their living arrangements.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.