Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for his service-connected status post upper right lobe wedge resection with residual chest pain was denied because he failed to report for a necessary VA examination.

The Veteran's eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits is granted because she was discharged from service due to a pre-existing service-connected disability (obsessive compulsive disorder).

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or fault. The cause of death was an episode of aspiration leading to acute respiratory failure and other underlying conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's irradiation proctitis is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms of occasional involuntary bowel movements necessitating a pad.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of colon hemorrhage and surgery, as well as his secondary service connection for pernicious anemia, are granted. The claim for a compensable rating prior to October 18, 2016, and in excess of ten percent thereafter, for hearing loss is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient explanation of the nature and attribution of the Veteran's ongoing symptoms, including abdominal pain and nausea during active service and in the years following her discharge from active service. The VA examiner must provide a new addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has granted initial 10 percent ratings for service-connected right and left lower extremity varicose veins, effective July 10, 2018.

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

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting a new examination to determine if the Veteran's personality disorder is due to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues regarding the creation of an overpayment debt and the waiver of that debt. The Veteran must provide updated financial information, and VA will conduct a review to determine if the overpayment was properly created.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for recognition as J.L.'s spouse for additional dependency compensation due to insufficient evidence of a void marriage.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployment (TDIU) is dismissed due to his election for review in the modernized system.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for polycythemia vera, finding that there was no evidence of a direct relationship between his service and the condition. The Board also noted that polycythemia vera is not associated with herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for lymphoma and right thumb disability as the evidence did not support a link to active service.

The appeal for an apportionment of the Veteran's VA benefits is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected callus formations of the right and left feet have been granted increased ratings, but only for periods after December 5, 2019. The appeal is remanded to determine if TDIU should be granted.

The Board has denied an increased rating for nephrolithiasis and has remanded the case to consider a TDIU claim. The Veteran's nephrolithiasis is currently rated at 30 percent, but does not meet criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7508.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected left eye aphakia, finding that the condition only warrants a minimum evaluation.