Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board dismissed the appeal because the VA Committee on Waivers and Compromises (COWC) granted a full waiver of the Veteran's $9,349.64 VA debt.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot conditions and skin condition due to inadequate opinions in the January 2020 VA examination. The examiner did not provide an opinion on the Veteran’s skin condition, as he found no current skin disability. Additionally, the examiner did not consider the Veteran's diagnosed peripheral polyneuropathy or his facial rash.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for unspecified mild neurocognitive disorder, right upper extremity weakness, and right lower extremity weakness due to unresolved issues. The claim for a compensable rating for decompression sickness with blurred vision in the right eye remains denied as the Veteran's visual acuity is correctable with spectacles.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left eye vitreous hemorrhage, finding that there is no current disability and insufficient evidence to establish a link between the in-service condition and any present symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for panic attacks with agoraphobia is remanded due to the need for updated examination. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Board has granted entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate for a single service-connected disability (CAD) rated at 60 percent since October 9, 2015.

The Veteran's gout was granted service connection and rated at a 20 percent disability rating prior to June 21, 2019. From June 21, 2019, the Veteran is entitled to a 60 percent disability rating for his gout.

The Board denied increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, both currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate, so he is not eligible for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (adjustment disorder with depressed mood) is rated at 10 percent and denied for an increased evaluation. The Veteran also had his TDIU claim denied.

The Veteran's death prevented the substitution of parties in his pending claim or appeal, as no claims were pending at the time of his death. The appellant was not eligible for apportionment due to the Veteran’s death.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran currently has anemia and whether it is related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for malignant neoplasm of the pharynx and tonsil was denied due to lack of a nexus to service. The Board also remanded the issue of bilateral hearing loss, as an addendum opinion is needed regarding its etiology.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all of his remaining appeals, including the one for an adjustment in FY 2017 training pay. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

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

The Board denied service connection for a right hip disorder, finding that the current condition was not incurred or related to service and is not secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for loss of teeth, claimed as residual injury to the face with dental trauma due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is etiologically related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits.

The Veteran's dermatophytosis has been rated at 10 percent since November 1972. The most recent VA examination in December 2019 showed the condition affecting less than 5% of his total body area and no exposed areas, with topical treatment only. Therefore, an increased evaluation higher than 10 percent is denied.