Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed lymph node disorder, including exposure to herbicide agents and/or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a duodenal ulcer. The issues of increased ratings for hypertension, left foot bunion, degenerative disc disease L3-L4 and L4-L5, left total knee replacement (prior to March 3, 2016), left total knee replacement (from May 1, 2017 to February 6, 2018 and from February 7, 2018 onwards), and a left knee surgical scar are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding service connection for loss of control of bodily function, which may be related to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his 2014 TIA, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected deviated septum has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination report, and a new opinion is needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's tonsillar cancer and his presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to May 21, 2019 due to insufficient information regarding his income and net worth.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Board denied service connection for a liver disorder, claiming as hepatic steatosis, due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's claims were not supported by current medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's left hip/thigh disability is currently rated at 20 percent under Code 5252 and 20 percent under Code 5253, effective October 23, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for basal cell carcinoma, finding that the Veteran's sun exposure in service contributed to his current condition. The claim is reopened due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neurogenic bladder is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the overpayment of compensation benefits created prior to August 13, 2009 was valid. However, from August 13, 2009 onwards, the creation of the overpayment was due to sole VA administrative error and thus invalid.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with its previous remand directives and for a new examination regarding the Veteran's in-service tooth condition involving root canals.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine if the Veteran had a left leg disability during service and whether it is related to his military service. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the November 2019 VA examiner.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the previous remand directives and another remand is required. The claims for service connection for a back disorder and left leg disorder are being remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's onychauxis and onychomycosis of his right great toe, including initial compensable ratings prior to August 2, 2019, an increased rating from that date, and a separate initial compensable rating for onychomycosis. The case is remanded due to new VA treatment records being associated with the claims file.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's neck disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The appeal for service connection of pancreatic cancer is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.