Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the March 2019 rating decision, which denied the Veteran's eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery, is not part of the claims file. The case is being remanded to obtain this decision and any associated documents.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for restoration of total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability and restoration of dependents' educational assistance as these issues have been granted and are no longer in dispute.

The Veteran's left ring finger disability has been denied a compensable rating and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for loss of use due to lack of evidence showing fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral dry eye syndrome is granted a 20 percent rating, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 6025.

The Veteran's left foot fracture residuals were granted a disability rating of 10 percent from December 27, 2012 to November 8, 2016. A higher rating was denied for the entire appeal period.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's overpayment of Chapter 30 educational benefits is valid, but needs to be corrected by accounting for retroactive Chapter 33 benefits he should have received.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left foot nerve conditions due to insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's overpayment debt is remanded to determine the number of drill days completed between February 28, 2015 and April 30, 2015 and recalculate the amount of debt.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for amnestic cognitive impairment, finding that there is no direct or secondary service connection based on evidence in the record. The claim was also not considered under a presumption of herbicide exposure due to lack of such diseases listed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's exposure to chemicals at Fort McClellan and his cause of death. The examiner is asked to determine if it is at least as likely as not that the cause of death is related to military service, including chemical exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, including cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation, is at least as likely as not related to his service in Vietnam where he was exposed to herbicide agents. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits in excess of $9,750 as there were no additional expenses related to her mother's last sickness and burial. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any left foot/left great toe disorder, including whether it is related to service or secondary to service-connected right knee and right foot disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for urticaria but denied an initial compensable rating for a right testicular mass. The Veteran's right testicular mass is not considered to be due to his military service, and he does not experience voiding dysfunction.

The Veteran's left elbow tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,For limitation of extension of the left elbow, the current rating remains at noncompensable (0 percent).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disorder (loss of tooth #7) for compensation purposes is denied, but the claim for treatment purposes is granted.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with psychosis, and service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand injury, which resulted in residuals and cubital tunnel syndrome, is related to service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right clavicle condition, including tendonitis, degenerative joint disease, and impingement syndrome, has been remanded due to the failure of VA to send necessary correspondence to the Veteran’s attorney at an incorrect address.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information about the Veteran's term of service and discharge basis, requiring further investigation.