Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability prior to August 9, 2012 is remanded because the records from Social Security Administration (SSA) have not been obtained. The issue will be reconsidered with the new information.

The Board has remanded the cases of increased rating for right fibula fracture and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned after further development, including obtaining translations of documents and arranging an orthopedic examination.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hand and elbow disability, finding that the Veteran does not have current diagnosed arthritis of the hands or elbows. The Board also found that any current disabilities (bilateral hand strain and bilateral elbow epicondylitis) are less likely related to active service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to non-compliance with previous remand directives regarding the overpayment of $21,622.00 and its validity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an umbilical hernia, finding that there is no evidence of aggravation beyond its natural progression during or by his military service.

The Board has determined that the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 have not been met, and thus DIC benefits are denied. The Veteran's death is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his underlying causes and significant conditions contributing to death.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with depressed mood and alcohol use disorder. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran’s current psychiatric disorder was incurred during his service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shin splints and an eye condition are remanded due to inadequate examination reports. Additional evidence is needed, including VA and private treatment records, and a medical opinion on the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board denied service connection for a left testicle disorder, finding that the Veteran does not have such a condition caused or aggravated by his right testicle removal due to testicular cancer.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a 100% evaluation for his service-connected incisional ventral hernia. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records from 2005.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular condition, including atrial fibrillation, finding that there was no evidence linking his current disability to service. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between any service-connected disability and his lung cancer.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a disagreement with the amount of the overpayment, and not because of any issues related to service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's condition was significantly changed by the single dose of testosterone injection in February 2010. Additional development is needed, including obtaining records from private clinicians and providing a new VA opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board dismissed the case as a result.

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

The Board has granted the appellant's recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of entitlement to Dependence and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits, resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right large toe disability is related to his military service. The AOJ must obtain a new addendum opinion from a VA clinician.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's restrictive lung disease is related to his military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's residuals of fractured left tibia are rated at 20 percent from August 3, 2016 to August 22, 2017. He is granted a separate 10 percent rating for painful limitation of flexion and a 20 percent rating for dislocated left knee semilunar cartilage since August 3, 2016. A separate 10 percent rating is also granted for slight left knee instability from August 22, 2017.