Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder has been granted, with a maximum rating of 70 percent. The issue of service connection for iatrogenic hematuria remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for left foot tendonitis and right foot tendonitis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected residuals of a sprain, left big toe and degenerative changes of the left foot, as well as his residuals of a fracture, right big toe with degenerative joint disease of the foot. The Board found that the manifestations did not meet criteria for higher than 10 percent ratings.

A rating in excess of 10 percent for left foot contusion and strain is denied.,A rating in excess of 50 percent for a panic disorder prior to June 26, 2020, is denied.,A rating in excess of 70 percent for a panic disorder since June 26, 2020, is denied.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected psychophysiologic gastrointestinal reaction with spastic colon, finding that the symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for torn right biceps and triceps muscles, finding that his conditions are not related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's death occurred before the eligibility criteria for a government-furnished headstone or grave marker were established. The Board found that the Veteran's grave was marked, thus not meeting the requirement of being unmarked.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral eye disorders, tinea pedis, chronic maxillary sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's current eye conditions are not related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hiatal hernia and ventral hernias, including as secondary to his service-connected Crohn's disease, need further development. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination to address direct and secondary service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hand tremor and chronic respiratory disability due to inadequate medical opinions regarding exposure to toxic chemicals during service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for PVD of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted at 40 percent from June 26, 2006 through April 23, 2015. Ratings higher than 40 percent are denied prior to April 24, 2017 and higher than 60 percent as of that date.,The Veteran's PVD has progressed such that a rating higher than 40 percent is granted from April 24, 2017.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his inguinal hernia repair right side was denied. The Board also found that a separate 10 percent rating is warranted for ilioinguinal neuralgia, which is a residual of the inguinal hernia repair.,Service connection for left inguinal pain remains pending and needs further examination.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a special monthly pension (SMP) based on the Veteran’s need for aid and attendance, finding that November 8, 2013 is the earliest possible effective date due to the reopening of the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for blurry vision, finding that there was no evidence linking his current eye disability to his military service. The Board also found no presumptive basis for service connection due to exposure in Southwest Asia.

The Board has denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis, finding no evidence of in-service disease or exposure to herbicide agents. The case is remanded for further development regarding ischemic heart disease.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral artery disease, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his active military service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete record, requiring further development including a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's right-hand disability.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's genital herpes disability is rated at the highest schedular rating available, a 60 percent rating, since October 29, 2010.

The Veteran's corneal erosions with keratopathy do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as they do not cause visual impairment, have not resulted in any incapacitating episodes, and are not manifested by characteristics of disfigurement.