Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for right forearm and/or elbow, left hip, and dental disorders are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected pruritus ani is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if his condition warrants an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition, including as due to herbicide agent exposure, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not begin in or are related to his active military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral flatfeet with hallux valgus, finding that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to support a preexisting condition or aggravation during service.

The Veteran's appeal for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits at a rate higher than 70 percent has been withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative. As a result, the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Veteran's peripheral retinal degeneration, lattice-type, of the left eye with dry eye syndrome did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the current VA rating schedule.

The Board found that the appellant did not serve in active military, naval, or air service and therefore is not a veteran for purposes of VA benefits. The appeal was denied.

The Board has directed the VA Director, Compensation Service to review the Veteran's claim for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The matter is being remanded to ensure that the response from the Director is included in the claims file.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate to support a decision on the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. The case is therefore being remanded for further examination and clarification.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment of VA disability compensation benefits, finding that recovery would not be against equity and good conscience due to balanced fault, lack of undue hardship, and no defeat of benefit purpose.

The Board has remanded the claims for evaluation of polymyositis conditions due to service, including earlier effective dates. The Veteran's death during the pendency of these claims means that his surviving spouse may be eligible to substitute as a claimant.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of the right hand has been remanded due to ongoing issues with his VA examinations and treatment records. The case will be reassessed after additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration (SSA). The appellant is seeking recognition as the helpless child of the Veteran on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching age 18.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of the left eye was granted effective January 28, 2014. The Board found that an earlier effective date is not warranted as there was no increase in disability within one year prior to the filing date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma, claimed as skin cancer, due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not establish a link between the condition and his service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's TB pleurisy is inactive and not shown to have had compensable residuals since September 19, 2013. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Board has restored the Veteran's right foot disability rating from 10% to 20%, effective March 12, 2016, as the reduction was not proper due to lack of sustained improvement in the condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for narcolepsy and granted it. However, the cause of death due to congestive heart failure is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA Regional Office did not fulfill its duty to assist in verifying the Appellant's spouse's service with USATS or USNTS, and has ordered further development.

The Veteran's perirectal abscess is rated at 60 percent effective March 30, 2012. A separate 10 percent rating for a painful left buttock scar is granted effective June 19, 2013.