Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a lung disorder, claimed as a result of herbicide agent exposure, has been dismissed due to his withdrawal.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for traumatic epididymitis with left orchitis is denied. The evidence does not support an increase in the disability rating.

The Board has remanded several issues for additional development, including service connection claims for insomnia, gallbladder residuals, chronic inflammatory disease, and pruritis.,Service connection is denied for insomnia as it is considered a manifestation of the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder. The claim for residuals of removal of gall bladder is also denied due to lack of evidence showing any residual conditions related to his diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the reduction in VA compensation benefits for military drill pay received during FY 2011, finding that the creation of the debt was valid and that the recoupment process was proper.

The Veteran's pseudophakia with membranous opacity of both eyes results in corrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better for both eyes, and a mild contraction of the visual field. The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent as there were no incapacitating episodes and the evidence did not show any cause for the Veteran's visual field defect.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of clear accounting for benefits withheld for FY 2014 and requests for an audit. The Veteran's appeal is related to military service drill pay, but no specific conditions or exposure basis are mentioned.

The Veteran's claim for a 10 percent rating for insomnia prior to February 2, 2018 is granted. The claim for a 70 percent rating for insomnia starting February 2, 2018 is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 11, 1995 for his TDIU due to insufficient evidence showing he was not able to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a higher disability rating for his service-connected dysthymia versus mood disorder secondary to general medical condition, with the current 70% rating being maintained.

The Board denied a compensable initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected erythema multiforme, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for any of the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for left and right club feet, finding that the Veteran's congenital conditions did not worsen during military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a spine disorder due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's lung disorder, diagnosed as dyspnea, began during active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board determined that the retroactive compensation payments for CRSC were calculated properly and denied additional retroactive CRSC payments due to the Veteran's biological children who were in school and between the ages of 18 to 23 years old, as well as his stepson.

The claim for VA death benefits is remanded due to the need for verification of the appellant's spouse's service records through the Army Board for Correction of Military Records.

The Veteran's throat disability is being remanded for an addendum opinion to determine if it was caused by his active service or aggravated (chronically worsened) by his gastrointestinal disability. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including duodenal ulcer, postgastrectomy syndrome, bile reflux gastritis and hiatal hernia with gastrointestinal reflux disorder, is also being remanded for an addendum opinion to address the severity of the condition, the cause of weight loss, and whether he has anemia.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions are currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Veteran asserts that his symptoms are more severe than what is contemplated by this rating.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to provide his most recent employer's current address. The case is being remanded due to this incomplete information.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further review regarding whether the overpayment was properly created and if it was due solely to administrative error. The Veteran will be given an opportunity to submit financial information and respond to the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to change his IWRP to include LSAT tutorial services, finding that VA had provided multiple services and resources in support of his pursuit of a Juris Doctor. The Veteran failed the Baby Bar Exam three times, resulting in dismissal from Taft University.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for an acquired cardiovascular disorder. Additional development is needed, including obtaining a new opinion from a physician.