Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rectal bleeding, finding that there is no relationship between his condition and exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or service. The Board also found that the current cause of his rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids and benign colon polyps rather than a gastric ulcer.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of alternate diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal of entitlement to a TDIU due to his failure to submit an updated TDIU application within one year after being requested by VA. The claim was considered abandoned.

The Veteran's death was recognized as the cause of his death, and he received service-connected burial benefits. However, there is a dispute about whether the appellant can be recognized as his surviving spouse for VA benefit eligibility purposes.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, as claims do not survive their deaths.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Crohn’s disease has been reopened. The case is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of her Crohn’s disease and whether it was aggravated by her service-connected autoimmune thyroiditis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral foot disorders was denied. From December 21, 2016 to November 7, 2019, the Veteran received a 30% rating. The appeal is now at 50%, but no higher.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's sleep disorder. The Veteran will need a VA examination conducted by a physician with experience in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral retrocalcaneal exostosis as it is not proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records, specifically the February 2020 x-ray results of his right knee. The VA needs to obtain these records and review them with a clinician who can determine if they affect the accuracy of the August 2020 examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lipoma is denied. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a urinary disorder, special monthly compensation at the housebound rate prior to July 18, 2013 and based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the VA examination conducted in October 2019 is inadequate and remands for an additional examination to determine if any diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders are etiologically related to active duty service or aggravated by such service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking service connection for bilateral lower extremity disorders, bilateral foot disorders, and residuals of lower extremity surgeries.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, specifically the residuals of a fractured styloid process of the right ulna, has been granted a 10 percent rating effective April 2, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for back pain as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with prior remand directives and the need for a retrospective opinion regarding the date of onset of the Veteran's symptoms, as well as an explanation of which nerves are encompassed by his service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for transient ischemic attack (TIA) as there is no current diagnosis of TIA and the evidence does not support a finding that he had one at any time during the pendency of his claim or recent to the filing of the claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence to determine if the Veteran's left eye disability is related to service. A VA examination is needed to clarify this issue.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to August 22, 2016 due to incomplete development and undeliverable mail. The Veteran is asked to provide their current address and complete a VA Form 21-8940.