Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for rectum disability is denied as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also denied, with no referral for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his competency to handle disbursement of VA funds was dismissed as the restoration of competency is considered a full grant of benefits sought on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right and left lower extremity neurological disorders are aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral strain, and whether they are otherwise related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and residuals of malaria, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's deviated septum was incurred during service and is granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as there is no earlier effective date than December 11, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim as the overpayment of Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance benefits was properly created and he did not receive monetary benefits to which he was not entitled.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was dismissed because the Board does not have jurisdiction over it due to concurrent elections.

The Veteran's former attorney representative withdrew the appeal due to a request for withdrawal of the issue on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for spina bifida occulta as it was a congenital defect that pre-existed military service and was not subject to a superimposed disease or injury during service.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's cause of death claim and accrued benefits issue. The claims will be remanded to allow for further investigation and potential new opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a hysterectomy and bladder disorder, but denied service connection for PID. The Veteran's hysterectomy is considered to be related to her active service, while her bladder disorder is also linked to service. However, the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of PID.

The Veteran's hammer toe of the right foot with partial amputation of the second toe is rated as 10 percent disabling beginning April 1, 2014. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's colon cancer and herbicide exposure. A new medical opinion is needed.

The Board has not fully addressed the Veteran's claim for service connection for essential thrombocytopenia (claimed as leukemia) due to in-service exposure to chemicals and carbon arc lights. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination.

The veteran's service in the Army National Guard did not meet the criteria for VA home loan guaranty benefits due to his lack of six years of service and because he was discharged prior to completing his obligation, which is not considered a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's retinoschisis is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) arose during active duty or within a year of discharge. The Veteran's symptoms were noted in various STRs, but the clinician found no direct link between SLE and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dementia is related to service, resolving doubt in his favor and granting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the appellant's late husband's military service and for obtaining relevant medical records.