Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right elbow arthritis and denied his request for an earlier effective date. The highest possible evaluation was assigned on March 25, 2010.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a heatstroke and cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction with congestive heart failure.,The preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran’s current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's breast cancer, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to diabetes.

The Veteran's hematuria is being remanded for further evaluation due to recent symptom progression and the need for updated medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's service connection claims for conjunctivitis, dry eyes and light sensitivity/irritation, and cataract as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability, finding that there was no evidence of such a condition during his active service or related to an in-service injury. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a presumption of exposure to herbicides based on service in Thailand.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral cataracts prior to May 6, 2013 was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. A compensable rating for pseudophakia, status post bilateral cataract surgery, effective from May 6, 2013, was also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of mucinous adenocarcinoma, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or a pre-existing disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of any bilateral foot condition, including hammer toes. The Veteran's statements about in-service foot pain are considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in considering new evidence submitted by the appellant. The RO must now consider this evidence and issue a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability, finding that there was no evidence of trauma or disease during service that would warrant compensation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further investigation is needed.

The Board denied the claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1805 for a child born with spina bifida of a Vietnam Veteran, finding that the appellant did not have any form or manifestation of spina bifida other than spina bifida occulta.

The Veteran is challenging the recoupment process for an overpayment of $241.97 created based on her execution of 60 Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs) during FY 2014. The Board finds that a remand is required to determine if any duplicative recoupments have occurred and to generate the necessary records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his obstructive lung disease disability with a history of severe klebsiella pneumonia and thoracostomy tube placement times two is denied. The current evaluation of 30 percent is maintained.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) has been denied because the evidence does not show that his service-connected disabilities, considering his education and work history, preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the appellant's VA Form 9 was timely filed and will proceed to address the appeal on its merits. The issue of obtaining updated authorizations for non-VA medical providers' records is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, finding no evidence linking it to herbicide exposure or any other in-service event.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for peripheral vascular disease of both lower extremities due to unclear severity during the period on appeal and need for further development.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 27, 2015 and increased to 20 percent as of that date. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.