Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's septorhinoplasty residuals, finding that the current ratings of 10 percent prior to January 25, 2017 and 30 percent thereafter are appropriate based on the evidence showing no diagnosis of sinusitis or migraine headaches.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 10 percent disability rating for vitiligo was granted effective October 9, 2019. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence supported a 10 percent rating from March 21, 2012, when service connection was established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of cold weather injury to his bilateral hands are at least as likely as not incurred in, or is otherwise etiologically related to, his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The appeal is dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection was granted.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted with an effective date of September 11, 1992.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since December 1, 2012. The Board granted an earlier effective date of December 1, 2012 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand condition, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his in-service injury and his current symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate aggravation opinion in a previous VA examination, and the Veteran needs another examination to determine if his erectile dysfunction is aggravated by his undescended right testicle.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether myasthenia gravis is related to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam.

The appeals for service connection and TDIU have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran is granted a 40 percent disability rating for nerve impairment with RSD of the right upper extremity prior to December 12, 2019. From December 12, 2019, her rating is denied.,A 10 percent disability rating is granted for mallet deformity of the right-hand middle finger.

The Veteran's right inguinal herniorrhaphy (hernia) is not rated compensable, and the nasal disorder to include nasal trauma issue must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to delays in scheduling a VA examination. The Board requests that all relevant medical records be obtained, including from his assisted living facility.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier for the grant of a TDIU rating and DEA benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 are denied as there is no evidence showing he was unemployable due to his service-connected left little toe callus formation prior to September 17, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the right lower lobe of lungs from March 1, 2017 is denied as there is no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis and his shortness of breath is attributed to COPD and congestive heart failure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating and TDIU due to new evidence and development being required.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the issue of whether the appellant's service character is a bar to VA benefits due to willful and persistent misconduct. The case is remanded for further review, including an examination to determine if the appellant was insane at the time of his discharge.

The Board denied the appeal as the overpayment of VA compensation benefits was properly created due to a retroactive reduction in the compensation rate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for head trauma and neurological disorders, finding no current disability related to in-service head trauma or any diagnosed neurological disorder. The claim for neurological disorders was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's hypertensive retinopathy of the bilateral eyes and right eye branch retinal vein occlusion are now rated at 70 percent, effective November 10, 2014. Other issues have been resolved.