Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Appellant's service cannot be verified and is remanding the case for further investigation into his claimed service, including alternate birthdates and middle names.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hand disability is related to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left eye condition, which includes an intraocular foreign body, corneal leukoma, localized cataract and iris hole, is rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of incapacitating episodes or visual impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back condition. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a spine condition, but the VA examiner found it less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's lung condition, specifically Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), is being remanded for further evaluation due to the lack of a medical opinion regarding his claimed exposure to dust and smoke during service. The Board requests an updated VA examination to determine if IPF is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues regarding the validity of an overpayment debt and the waiver of recovery. The Veteran's appeal will be further reviewed on these matters.

The Board denied service connection for an upper teeth disability as there is no evidence of bone loss or mandible/maxilla conditions resulting from the incident during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's death was caused by exposure to herbicide agents. The VA examiner did not provide an opinion on the underlying cause of death or etiological relationship.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, specifically addressing functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for colon cancer and special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance due to the lack of a clear conclusion regarding whether the pathophysiology of colon cancer is at least partially understood, and because there may be a factual need for aid and attendance during her initial treatment period.

An effective date of May 14, 2002, for service connection of schizoaffective disorder with a 70 percent rating is granted.,An effective date of May 14, 2002, for compensation for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected schizoaffective disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of potential service connection for hepatitis C and missing dental records. The Veteran's cause of death is also under review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a non-initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his ventral hernia and denied entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran’s service-connected conditions precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain private treatment records related to the Veteran's cerebrovascular accident. The remand is due to the failure to conduct this necessary development.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, finding that there was no indication of intent to file a claim prior to May 21, 2001.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for nephrosclerosis, finding that it was not related to his service or service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for multiple joint 'whole body' arthritis and a left hip disorder due to insufficient evidence in the current record. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on his military service, particularly parachute jumps during active duty.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that there is no competent evidence establishing a nexus between any of the causes of death and his period of service.

The Board has determined that the matter is not ripe for appellate review due to procedural issues and remands are necessary.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left elbow lateral epicondylitis, finding that the Veteran's disability has been manifested by no more than pain with flexion to 110 degrees and extension to 60 degrees.