Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was denied in April 2010. The effective date of the grant of TDIU is May 12, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for costochondritis, TDIU prior to April 19, 2007, and earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) prior to April 19, 2007 are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation is granted as it was caused by his service-connected hypertension. The claim for service connection for middle finger condition remains denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that additional information is needed from the Veteran's doctor regarding his need for aid and attendance as of August 7, 2016. The RO must also review the expanded record to determine if an earlier effective date for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance can be granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an SSOC, as new evidence was submitted after a Substantive Appeal was filed. The appeal will be reconsidered with this additional information.

The Veteran's service connection claim for cold injury residuals and skin disability of the feet is remanded due to insufficient evidence, requiring an examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a VA examination, and another examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected residuals, bilateral jaw fracture.

Service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is granted. Service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss are remanded. Entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected degenerative osteophytic lipping of the thoracic spine, including the impact of muscle spasms.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for myofascial pain of the right trapezius muscle is remanded due to outstanding medical records and a missed VA examination.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $11,385.23 was properly created for the period from June 18, 2013 through December 12, 2016 due to a retroactive reduction in the compensation rate to the 10 percent rate after the Veteran’s incarceration for felony conviction.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with its previous directives, including providing the Veteran with a copy of his Substantive Appeal and scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's service was not deemed to meet the minimum period of active duty required for nonservice-connected pension benefits, as he did not serve at least 24 months continuously. The Board found that his discharge was due to unsuitability based on physical fitness standards and not hardship or disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's eye disability is related to her in-service exposure to sunlight and UV rays.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pelvic adhesions, chronic gynecological disability (including menorrhagia and dysmenorrheal), and major depressive disorder have been granted. The claim for pelvic adhesion was reopened due to new evidence received since the previous denial in 1999.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a brain disorder, to include residuals of head trauma and cerebral hemorrhage. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for his left elbow condition, finding that there was no evidence linking the current disability to an in-service injury or event.

The Veteran's eye problems, including corneal abrasions sustained during service and current hyperopia and presbyopia, are being remanded for further examination and determination of their etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder scapula and rotator cuff injuries due to additional development being needed. The issues are related to whether these conditions are related to service, particularly given the Veteran's history of clavicle fracture.

The Veteran's request to reopen a claim for service connection for an adjustment disorder was granted, but the rating assigned and effective date are not specified.