Other conditions decisions — 2020

The claim for accrued benefits has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's hallux rigidus left great toe was granted a 10 percent rating prior to June 23, 2014. The Board found that the disability picture more nearly approximated a moderate foot injury.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and an increased evaluation for ichthyosis is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected granulomatous calcifications is granted a staged initial rating of 10 percent prior to February 26, 2018 and a staged initial rating of 100 percent from February 26, 2018 through March 28, 2019. The Veteran also receives entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's sexual impotence and its relationship to service, exposure to herbicide agents, or aggravation by his service-connected PTSD with OCD.

The Veteran's disability, characterized by shell fragment wounds and degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, was rated at 10 percent prior to July 9, 2019. The claim remains on appeal as higher ratings are available.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension benefits was remanded due to issues with his reported medical expenses and income levels. The Board instructed the AOJ to review updated information on net worth, income, and medical expenses.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of being the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits due to her divorce from the Veteran, which terminated their marriage.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized non-VA medical expenses at St. Anthony Hospital North (SAH) from September 23, 2013 to September 25, 2013 is denied because he did not meet the eligibility requirements under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with obtaining and notifying the Veteran about missing VA records, specifically a March 2013 Humphrey's visual field test. The claim will be readjudicated after these matters are resolved.

The Veteran's brain cancer was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and is not related to service. The Board denied the claim as there is no evidence linking the glioblastoma to his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with a previous remand order, specifically regarding an examination for dental conditions. The Veteran's service connection claim for a dental condition is still pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear medical opinions regarding the Veteran's esophageal disorders and his exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of ratings for muscle injuries of the right thigh, left thigh, and right calf. The earliest date that entitlement arose was July 16, 2014.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for entitlement to a total disability rating based on unemployability (TDIU) as there is no case or controversy presently before the Board regarding this issue.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for gastric antrum/peptic ulcer disease and the cause of death, as well as DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to insufficient medical opinions regarding aggravation by PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for patellofemoral joint dysfunction of the right knee and right foot drop due to nerve impairment, as there is insufficient evidence regarding the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that the Veteran's varicose veins did not meet criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 7120.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left-hand disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic in-service condition or continuity of symptomatology. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection.