Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diverticulitis with pelvic adhesions was granted at a 30 percent level. A higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show partial obstruction or drainage, which would be required for a 50 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7301 for peritoneal adhesions. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to November 14, 2019 was also granted due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for gastrointestinal disorder status post hemicolectomy, joint pain and myalgias, and arthritis as qualifying chronic disabilities due to undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's symptoms were not linked to his military service or a service-connected condition.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's right trochanter bursitis, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's bowel and bladder incontinence were found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected IVDS, leading to a grant of service connection for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's colon cancer and Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for permanent incapacity for self-support has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's gastritis disability is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7305. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are moderately severe and warrant this rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left hand and left foot conditions, finding that there is no current disability attributable to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's residuals of hairy cell leukemia.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's cataracts. The examiner needs to clarify whether cataracts are related to Camp Lejeune exposure, specifically addressing the possibility of contrast sensitivity loss.

The Board denied service connection for dysmenorrhea, bladder disorder, and left upper extremity neural disorder as there is no current disability found in the record.

The Veteran's Crohn's disease and impairment of sphincter control are both rated at 60 percent, with no higher ratings allowed.

The Board denied service connection for hairy cell leukemia as the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's in-service chemical exposures and his current condition.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, finding that the conditions were not caused or aggravated by the service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gynecological disability, including fibroid tumors and hysterectomy, finding that there was no evidence of such conditions being incurred in or related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain private treatment records from Dr. Fiskin, Dr. Gaston, and Dr. Vison.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal regarding the reduction in VA disability compensation for military drill pay from FY 2015 and the recoupment of VA compensation payments from August 2011 through March 2013, finding that the creation of these debts was valid based on the law prohibiting concurrent receipt of VA benefits with active service pay.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for a heart injury, and the appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for shortening of the left leg, finding that the Veteran's leg length inequality is only 1 centimeter and not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for emergency treatment at Marquette General Hospital Emergency Department on May 18, 2014 are granted as the condition was an emergent one and VA facilities were not feasibly available.