Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back/tailbone injury, to include a hip injury, finding that there is no evidence of current disability affecting either hip or symptoms resulting in functional impairment of earning capacity. The Board also found that the diagnosed lumbar spine disorders are less likely than not related to the documented in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for breast cancer, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his active duty in Thailand is presumed and linked to his current condition.

The Board has decided to remand the special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status issue due to conflicting evidence in the record. The Veteran's representative argues that he needs help, but VA treatment records suggest otherwise. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran requires such assistance.

The Veteran's right eye disability, including retinal detachment, cataract, and epiretinal membrane, is related to a grenade training incident in service. The Veteran's residuals of a concussion, diagnosed as vertigo, are also related to the same incident.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the severity and extent of the Veteran's residuals from his cerebrovascular accident, including any additional symptoms such as Gerstmann's Syndrome, left side weakness, and chronic pain. The issues remain unresolved due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for reimbursement of last sickness and burial expenses because she did not provide evidence of what expenses were paid by her.

The Board has denied service connection for schizoaffective disorder, finding that the evidence does not support a link to military service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right foot disability, finding that the maximum schedular rating under DC 5280 is already assigned.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is related to service, specifically exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's left great toe disability, prior to February 11, 2020, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter, is rated at the maximum schedular level. The disability does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation as there is no evidence of severe impairment.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for cause of death due to a lack of an opinion linking the Veteran's chronic granulocytic leukemia to his military service. The case is now back before the Board with instructions to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development regarding whether the Veteran was in need of regular aid and attendance and/or housebound solely as a result of his service-connected disabilities, apart from his non-service-connected impairments.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pulmonary embolism and a varicose vein surgery scar of the left lower extremity due to inadequate examination findings, personal risk factors, and unanswered medical questions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy with recurrent tonsillitis, finding that his current throat disorder had its onset during active duty service.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date for the Veteran's spine condition from August 21, 1980. The claim for service connection of a bladder condition as secondary to his spine condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hand 5th digit metacarpal enchondroma was incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition, but denies service connection for left hand arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's autonomic dysfunction is likely related to his exposure to firefighting foam during service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw it before a decision was made.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and further development is needed before a rating decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional records, including service treatment records that were destroyed in 1973. The Veteran seeks service connection for frost bitten feet.