Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's right and left Achilles tendon tendonitis status post surgical release are granted with a 10% evaluation, effective April 1, 2016.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no service connection was granted or denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed central nervous system disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and neuropathy. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's son's claim for survivors' pension benefits due to his income exceeding the maximum annual pension rate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected status post stress fracture, second metatarsal, left foot. The evidence did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's current bilateral eye disability, as his previous examination was not conducted due to his failure to appear. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Appellant is recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse based on a valid common law marriage, despite prior marriages and legal impediments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's income for 2016 exceeded the means test threshold, but her projected income for 2017 was below the threshold. Therefore, the change in her copayment requirement from exempt to required is granted to avoid hardship.

The Board denied the reduction in VA disability compensation for military drill pay and active duty pay, finding that it was proper. The issue of overpayment of compensation benefits is referred to the Committee on Waivers and Compromises (COWC).

The Board has decided that the change in the Veteran's means test eligibility category from copay exempt to copay required for income year 2017 was improper and has remanded the case for further action.

The Board found that the decedent's discharge from service was due to willful and persistent misconduct, not a minor offense. As such, his discharge is considered dishonorable, which bars him from receiving VA benefits.

The Board found that the appellant's service was honest, faithful, and meritorious despite his period of AWOL. The Board determined there were compelling circumstances warranting the prolonged absence, thus not finding a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected right hip disabilities have been denied. The VA has determined that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of the Veteran’s conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of left eye before a decision was made by the Board.

The appeal for TDIU benefits is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's Raynaud's Syndrome has worsened, and a new examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck condition and left foot condition/bilateral hammertoes, with the effective date being determined upon remand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung condition, finding no current disability and noting that there is no evidence of any functional impairment resulting from respiratory problems.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected residuals of a right foot fracture, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the period on appeal.