Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's death was caused by a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) that led to leukemia, which the Board finds is associated with herbicide agent exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual employability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for idiopathic lymphedema of the bilateral lower extremities has been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema required for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness (MUCMI) and muscle and joint pain, as well as a fatigue disorder, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions due to his Gulf War service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for withholding of Special Separation Benefits, a rating higher than 20 percent for cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and a rating higher than 30 percent for bronchitis with asthma. The appeal is REMANDED for further development regarding service connection claims for hip disorders and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cancer of the tonsil is being remanded due to a lack of verification regarding his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Board will attempt to verify whether he was exposed while stationed at Fort Ord and cleaning equipment from Vietnam.

The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date for the grant of a compensable rating for urethral stricture, finding that there was no prior claim and no increase in disability within one year before the January 3, 2013 claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examination of the Veteran's right foot disability.

The Veteran's additional right middle finger disability is denied as it did not result from carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's dystrophic/mycotic right great toenail is related to his active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for larynx cancer residuals is remanded, and his TDIU claim is also remanded due to the inextricability of the issues. The VA will schedule him for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right-hand disability, including Dupuytren's contracture and his claim for SMC for loss of use of the right hand. The evidence does not support that these conditions are related to service.

The appeal for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses is being remanded due to missing documents in the electronic record. The AOJ needs to reconstruct and upload all relevant documentation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical evidence and an examination, as well as a referral of issues related to service connection.

The Board denied a higher rating for prostatitis from August 1, 2011 to June 27, 2012 and granted a 40% disability rating for prostatitis after June 27, 2012. The Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during either period.

The Board has determined that the claims file is incomplete and requires further investigation to determine if the Veteran had service connection for his cause of death, which could impact his surviving spouse's DIC benefits. The Board will attempt to reconstruct the missing documents.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected torn medial meniscus and patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is remanded due to insufficient evidence from the last VA examination. The Veteran also has an issue with his right heel and foot callus disorder, which requires a Statement of the Case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal cancer and peripheral vascular disease secondary to esophageal cancer, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the certification of the Veteran's enrollment periods and the eligibility for housing allowances. The AOJ must provide a detailed analysis of whether the Veteran was entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for the specified periods, including internships that occurred outside Arizona.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right hip conditions: limitation of adduction, limitation of extension, and limitation of flexion. The AOJ is required to obtain VA treatment records since March 2019 and schedule an additional VA examination for the right hip.