Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating higher than 10 percent for residuals of pilonidal cyst with coccygeal pain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and chronic fatigue syndrome, finding no current disability or evidence of a valid claim.

The Veteran's competency for VA benefits purposes has been restored due to conflicting evidence regarding his mental capacity, with the Board finding he is competent to handle financial affairs.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for clarification of the Veteran's National Guard service. A VA examination is required to determine if the current gastrointestinal disability, including ulcerative colitis, began during a period of active service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral ear disability, including perforation of tympanic membranes, chronic ear infections, and otitis media is denied.

The claim for service connection for a skin condition due to exposure to dioxin is being remanded because new evidence has been submitted and an examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the etiology of the Veteran's perianal disability, specifically whether it is related to service in Southwest Asia or to campylobacter jejuni.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neurological disorder affecting both lower extremities and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's death was related to service, including herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus and metatarsalgia are rated at the maximum of 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for bilateral metatarsalgia with Morton's neuroma of the right foot.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's status as a child of the Veteran and his ability to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to age 18. Additional information is needed, including the appellant's birth certificate or other evidence noted in 38 C.F.R. § 3.209, and a medical opinion on whether he became permanently incapable of self-support before reaching the age of 18.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence of his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran, and no decision on the merits could be made.

The Veteran's right calf disability was denied a higher rating prior to October 15, 2019 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence did not indicate that his condition met criteria for a moderately severe or severe disability.

The Veteran's varicose veins were rated as 10 percent for the period from April 14, 2006 to January 4, 2018 and as 40 percent beginning January 4, 2018. The appeal is denied.

The appeal for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Gadsden Regional Medical Center on August 29, 2015 is dismissed due to the Veteran's death before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claim for sling palsy in the left arm is denied as there is no current disability associated with this condition.

The Veteran's left thigh impairment and degenerative joint disease of the hip were not found to warrant higher initial ratings, with the exception of a temporary increase from 10% to 20% for part of the appeal period.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's service-connected residuals of back injury with mild degenerative changes and scoliosis, as well as to obtain outstanding VA treatment records. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for ptosis of the right eyelid and crocodile dystrophy, but denied service connection for other eye disabilities including ptosis dermatochalasis, cataracts, and pseudophakia.