Other conditions decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the addition of his spouse to his VA disability compensation award is denied. The earliest possible effective date has already been assigned, with payment beginning on September 1, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied, but the RO granted it with an effective date of January 15, 2010. The appellant received attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in October 2018. Additional attorney fees are not warranted as the appellant has already received the proper amount.

The Board has restored the Veteran's left hallux valgus rating from 10 percent to noncompensable effective April 4, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip conditions, including as due to environmental hazard exposure during Gulf War service. The Veteran's bilateral hip conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of traumatic deviated septum, status post repair. The Veteran's claim is based on a direct link to an in-service injury.

The Board found that the overpayment of compensation benefits was due to sole VA administrative error, thus invalidating the debt and granting the appeal.

The appeal for accrued benefits and DIC has been dismissed due to the lack of a valid Notice of Disagreement submitted by the appellant or her representative.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because it is a concurrent appeal of the same denial, and thus lacks jurisdiction.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 4, 2012, for service connection of somatic symptom disorder as moot due to lack of appeal.

The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors in the claims file and these issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for night sweats prior to February 24, 2020, was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Since February 24, 2020, the Veteran's night sweats have been rated at 10 percent due to weakness, fatigue, and decreased energy level.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg varicose veins are related to his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's disability manifested by dizziness to include a loss of equilibrium is granted as incurred during military service. The issue of rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the Veteran, and therefore has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's bilateral great toe disability is rated at 40 percent, the highest available rating under DC 5284. The Board also granted a TDIU rating effective from May 11, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a stroke, finding that there is no current diagnosis related to this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating and earlier effective date, finding that there was no factual basis to grant either claim within the applicable timeframes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residuals, status-post fracture of the left fifth finger, finding that his condition did not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete income and medical expense information, which may affect whether the appellant qualifies for survivor pension benefits with aid and attendance.