Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for MDS due to 11q deletion chromosomal abnormality with thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and splenomegaly status post splenectomy as the evidence did not show it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's adult child is not eligible for accrued benefits due to the Veteran as she does not meet the statutory definition of a child and her reported expenses do not qualify as burial expenses.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were evaluated at 10% prior to March 28, 2014. The Board found no evidence of more than the minimum compensable ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral dermatochalasis, specifically whether it is related to his right eye cataract surgery or a facial nerve block that was not performed during the procedure.

The Veteran's prostate disorder and skin disorder are remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neurological disorders of the upper and lower extremities, including as due to herbicide exposure. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand disabilities, as he contends they are secondary to exposure to toxic chemicals during his military service. The case is being sent back for further development and an addendum medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for cold weather injuries to both upper and lower extremities due to incomplete development of a claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board found that the Veteran's overpayments were properly created due to his failure to report income and incarceration, but granted a waiver of recovery due to financial hardship.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran was born with spina bifida or spina bifida occulta, and if so, whether he has residuals from either condition.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for service-connected prostatitis was granted at a 10 percent rating prior to October 21, 2015. From October 21, 2015 to January 21, 2016, the Veteran received an increased evaluation of 40 percent. After that date, his prostatitis was rated at a higher level based on nighttime awakenings.

The Veteran's left elbow disability has been rated based on limitation of motion. The Board found that the current ratings for painful flexion and supination are appropriate, but recommended remanding to determine if a higher rating is warranted due to changes in range of motion since March 9, 2016.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left testicular seminoma and dementia have been granted. However, the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, prostate disorder, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is at least as likely as not due to military service in Saudi Arabia. The claim of reopening a previously denied acquired psychiatric disorder was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fungal infection of the bilateral feet is related to his military service and grants this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right lower extremity nerve disability, finding no evidence of such condition during her time in service or due to any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the case should be remanded to determine if the former representative, K.S., is entitled to attorney fees from past due benefits awarded in an August 2003 rating decision and whether the fee is reasonable. The appellant disputes the payment of attorney fees.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for arthritis of the lower extremities, so it is dismissed.

The Veteran's non-hodgkin's lymphoma is granted as service connection for accrued benefits, and his death due to the same condition is also granted.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for stricture of urethra from September 4, 2014, to February 3, 2020, and denied a rating in excess of 40 percent afterwards. The Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on his voiding dysfunction.