Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Board denied an increased rating for chronic right lower extremity venous insufficiency, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher than 10 percent rating due to lack of persistent edema or subcutaneous induration.

The Veteran's bilateral keratoconus is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right elbow traumatic arthritis with loose body and limitation of flexion due to a lack of an opinion regarding the appropriate level of amputation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an ENT disability, including throat cancer, and denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that there was no evidence linking the throat cancer to service.

The Veteran's perianal abscess is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The Board denied an increased evaluation as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that end stage cardiomyopathy was not related to service or PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left femur stress fractures have been manifested by limited range of motion, but not to a level warranting higher ratings.,Compensable disability ratings are denied for the Veteran's service-connected right and left femur stress fracture conditions.

The appellant is not recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of nonservice-connected death pension or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits due to her remarriage after the age of 57, which bars eligibility under VA regulations.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding entitlement to TDIU from November 1, 2013 to March 6, 2015 as there is no case or controversy.

The Board denied service connection for a traumatic injury of the left hand, finding that there is no evidence linking the current condition to active service.

The Board has found that the appellant may be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes. The matter is now remanded to issue a Statement of the Case addressing whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for DIC benefits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a sleep disorder (claimed as insomnia) because his symptoms are considered part of his service-connected PTSD. The evidence does not support a separate diagnosis of insomnia.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of residuals of heat stroke due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for foreign object in the left hilar area with associated hemoptysis is granted. The TDIU claim from November 16, 2010 to December 19, 2011 is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a rating higher than 10 percent for her Achilles tendon rupture with calcaneal spur of the right foot, finding that her disability only warrants moderate limitation of motion.

The Veteran's bilateral metatarsalgia, with bilateral hammertoe and early calluses, status post metatarsal osteotomy, is rated at 30 percent effective April 30, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and failure to comply with previous remand instructions. The Veteran's skin condition is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar disability has been rated at 20 percent since March 10, 2011. The rating is effective November 5, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathic digestive problems and gastritis, finding no direct relationship to his military service or service-connected conditions.