Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected residual of a ruptured spleen s/p splenectomy due to colonoscopy and associated stroke resulted in his need for regular aid and attendance, which was established by the evidence. The Board granted SMC based on this need.

The Board has remanded the case due to a jurisdictional issue regarding service connection for panic disorder with agoraphobia on a direct basis only. The issues of an initial rating in excess of 40 percent and entitlement to TDIU are also affected by this decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of multiple myeloma was denied as the earliest possible effective date is February 21, 2006.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC was also denied because he did not meet the requirement of having a single disability rated at 70% or more.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including adjudicating increased ratings for foot disabilities and determining entitlement to a TDIU prior to October 31, 2020. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and its residuals, but denied service connection for dizziness and mental confusion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left lower extremity disorders due to incomplete development of the record, including a lack of an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for cancerous colon polyps and TDIU prior to July 31, 2014. The Veteran's appointed attorney attempted to withdraw representation but did not provide good cause.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for mitral valve prolapse, finding that there is no current diagnosis of this condition and thus not warranting service connection.

The Board found a request for waiver was timely filed and remanded to consider whether the overpayment should be waived due to financial hardship. The decision is now remanded to obtain updated financial information from the Appellant.

The appeal was dismissed because the Veteran withdrew it before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's initial rating for residuals of a left tibial tumor status post excision with hardware placement and bone graft is granted at 20 percent, effective February 7, 2021. The appeal was remanded due to the need for further consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not incur an additional disability of bowel/fecal incontinence and urgency due to VA care and treatment, specifically his August 9, 2000 hemorrhoidectomy. The current symptoms are not attributable to any fault on the part of VA.

The Board denied service connection for an inguinal hernia, finding that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the hernia was caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to July 9, 2019 are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's left groin strain has been rated as a noncompensable disability under Diagnostic Code 7520 for removal of half or more of the penis. The Board found that considering the muscle injury, he is entitled to a compensable rating based on limitation of motion with pain.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unresolved issues regarding a $689.31 underpayment of the Veteran's CRDP payment, and requests further development from VA.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disability, including as due to exposure to environmental hazards and chemicals/toxins, finding that the current skin disability is not related to service.

The appeal for an increased rating of the service-connected right knee condition is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board denied service connection for right breast cancer and residuals of a tailbone injury, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.