Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability has been granted a 20 percent rating for the entire period on appeal, with symptoms more nearly approximating forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the service-connected malaria because there was no evidence of active malaria or associated residuals during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for postoperative meningioma and residuals of cerebrovascular incident, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between the condition and service or herbicide exposure.,The Board also denied service connection for adenocarcinoma of the appendix, concluding that there was no evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's neck disorder and its relation to service. The VA is instructed to provide another examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the August 2020 remand instructions and requires another examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's atrial fibrillation.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on an extra-schedular basis, finding that the current disability rating adequately accounts for the Veteran's symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran's application for non-service-connected disability pension benefits was denied due to incomplete information and evidence provided by the appellant, who is now substituted as the claimant. The Board found that there was insufficient information and evidence to determine the Veteran's entitlement to payment of pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hidradenitis and cysts are related to service, including herbicide exposure. The examiner should consider all provided evidence in forming their opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by imbalance, finding no current diagnosis of such a condition and thus failing to meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically pulmonary fibrosis aggravated by chemotherapy for his service-connected colon cancer. The decision is based on evidence that the Veteran's condition worsened due to the chemotherapy treatment.

The Veteran's application for nonservice-connected pension was denied from September 1, 1996 onwards due to his countable income exceeding the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disorder as he does not have a current disability of a right hip disorder, separate and distinct from his service-connected chronic back strain and sacroiliac arthralgia and arthropathy.

The Board has granted a non-initial rating of 20 percent for bilateral foot gout, effective prior to June 6, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death due to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and dismissed the DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 as moot.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to new evidence received within one year of a previous decision. The Veteran's claustrophobia may have worsened, which could potentially allow for an earlier effective date for TDIU benefits.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for genital herpes and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for nephrolithiasis due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 9, 2017 is being remanded due to the need to refer it to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for residuals of a neck injury and a disability manifested by loss of balance due to incomplete development in previous decisions.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizotypal personality disorder, panic disorder and stimulant use disorder in sustained remission. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.