Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's overpayment of VA compensation benefits was waived due to financial hardship, as the debt would cause undue financial strain on his household.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including a review of the Veteran's service connection claims and his exposure to gas during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for convergence insufficiency requires further examination and evaluation to determine the cause of his vision symptoms, including whether they are related to service-connected conditions or other factors. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound benefits, including whether the April 1, 2019 termination of this benefit was properly done.

The Board denied a separate compensable rating for restless leg syndrome, finding that the Veteran's condition at most has been mild and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 8103.

The Veteran's service connection for a dental disorder for compensation purposes and entitlement to VA dental treatment are denied as there is no evidence of a compensable condition related to his service.

The Board found that the appellant's service discharge was not due to persistent misconduct or an offense of moral turpitude, and thus did not bar VA benefits.

The Veteran's increased ratings for post fracture degenerative joint disease of the left second and third metacarpals have been denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a herniated disc, finding that it is related to the Veteran's military service as a Naval Aviator.

The Board has remanded both the service connection for pancreatic cancer and the cause of death claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to chemicals at Camp Lejeune during his active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and duodenal ulcer (claimed as stomach problems) due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board determined that the amount of 7 months and 21 days charged against entitlement to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for tuition and fees at Chattahoochee Scuba was correctly calculated, and denied the Veteran's claim as a matter of law.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder and alcohol dependence in remission. Service connection for alcohol dependence as a separate disability secondary to the acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new one for clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's liver condition.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional medical opinion regarding the Veteran's sickle cell disease, as there is conflicting evidence on whether it was aggravated by service or if any increase in severity during service represents a chronic worsening of the underlying pathology.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding no medical evidence linking pancreatic cancer to his active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further audit and clarification of how retroactive payments were calculated, as well as providing explanations for discrepancies in the February 2020 audit. The validity of the debt and waiver of recovery will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's constipation is aggravated by medications for PTSD, and a disability rating of 20 percent has been granted. Service connection for hematuria and rash was denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of a back injury, concluding that the Veteran did not have an additional disability caused by his participation in the VA-provided CWT/TWE program.

The Board has remanded the case for further medical opinions to address whether the Veteran developed any additional disability of the right thumb as a result of VA medical treatment in November 2008 and/or the 20-month delay between the first surgery in November 2008 and the second surgery in July 2010.