Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has denied service connection for chest pain and weakness on the left side from foot to neck, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected residuals of a partial amputation of the third left finger, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the criteria governing amputation of the long finger.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and treatment records, as well as the need for an additional VA examination to assess the severity of the service-connected right hip disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a rating increase for his macular pucker of the right eye due to incomplete development and need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete documentation and unclear calculation of overpayment. The Veteran's challenge of the validity of the debt is inextricably intertwined with his waiver claim.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of dislocated left side ribs and her TDIU claim were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of severe or moderately severe residuals of dislocated left side ribs, and that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not result in total occupational impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for gouty arthritis in the right first toe is granted. The claim for NHL was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disease or continuous symptoms after service separation.

The appeal was dismissed because a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was not filed within one year of the November 2015 denial, and the claim for dependency benefits for the Veteran's daughter was subsequently granted in September 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding the upper extremities, specifically Raynaud’s syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a hemangioma tumor affecting the Veteran's left optic nerve, finding that it manifested during or within one year of his active duty.

The appeal for whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for ruptured eardrums is granted. The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right hip tendonitis, left knee injury residuals with instability, and left knee injury residuals with limitation of flexion are remanded.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for residuals of burns on the abdomen, groin, and hand. The claim seeking service connection for residuals of burns on bilateral thighs is remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected residuals of a left fibula fracture should be remanded due to internal contradictions in the most recent examination report. The case will be returned to VA for further development and assessment.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding insufficient evidence to link the pancreatic cancer with service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's colon cancer to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service. The AOJ must request an advisory opinion from a medical expert to determine if it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s colon cancer is related to his military service, including his presumptive in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has decided to remand the issues of overpayment due to unreported income and change in number of dependents, as well as waivers for these overpayments. The AOJ is instructed to gather more information from the Veteran regarding his income and living situation between 2001 and 2005.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's ingrown toenail of the left great toe was initially rated at 10% from September 30, 2015 to September 9, 2016. After that period, a zero percent rating was assigned as there is no current disabling symptomatology.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of October 14, 2005 for the grant of service connection for right hip strain and left hip strain.,An earlier effective date prior to April 13, 2011 for the grants of service connection for right hip strain and left hip strain is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding SSA and VA records that may be relevant to the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.