Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The left knee disability was granted a 60 percent evaluation beginning June 1, 2018, and a 30 percent evaluation prior to that date. The right knee disability received a 60 percent evaluation beginning April 1, 2018, and a 30 percent evaluation prior to that date. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a 20 percent rating effective January 28, 2020. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy received a 20 percent rating effective January 28, 2020. The femoral nerve disability received a 20 percent rating effective January 28, 2020. TDIU was granted beginning May 1, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability is denied. However, a separate noncompensable disability rating for status post left knee reconstruction with degenerative joint disease with limitation of extension is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and adjudication. The appellant seeks reimbursement for ambulance fees incurred on December 13, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for joint and muscle pain as due to undiagnosed illness, finding no objective indications of a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained multi-symptom illness.

The Board granted a disability rating of 50 percent for insomnia prior to December 18, 2019. From December 18, 2019 onwards, the Veteran's claim was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran died in March 2016 while under the care of a VA-contracted hospice organization at VA's expense. The Board granted nonservice-connected burial benefits based on this fact.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to surgeries conducted at a VA Medical Center is being remanded because additional records are needed and an independent medical opinion is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand strain and bilateral arm cramps. The Veteran was diagnosed with a current condition of bilateral hand strain, but no current diagnosis of bilateral arm cramps was found.,There is no evidence to support an in-service incurrence or a nexus between any current disability and service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for ichthyosis vulgaris, finding that his pre-existing condition worsened during service and is presumed to have been aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for residual scars associated with otitis media has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 7800 or 7804.,The Veteran was also denied an increased rating for her inner ear surgeries, as there is no indication of service connection theory other than direct service connection.

The Veteran's right thumb disability, characterized as DeQuervain's tenosynovitis, has not resulted in a gap of more than two inches between the thumb pad and the fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers. As such, his claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for chronic sinus disorder due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection and aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for dementia, finding that the evidence did not support a finding that his dementia began during service or was related to an in-service injury. The Board concluded that the dementia is secondary to the Veteran's alcohol abuse, which started before he entered service and continued for over 40 years.

The appeal for an apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits to the appellant has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's recurrent shingles and her service-connected disabilities, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, and psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims regarding the reinstatement of apportionment for his dependent adult helpless child and the amount awarded. The decision found that an apportionment was not appropriate due to financial hardship, but also found that the amount awarded was proper.

The Veteran's storage mite syndrome is rated at 10% for the period prior to November 24, 2020. The Board denied a higher rating and service connection for diverticulitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for proceeds from his National Service Life Insurance Policy [REDACTED] as he did not have an active policy at the time of his death, and there was no evidence that he paid the required premiums.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic fungal infection of the skin, finding no evidence linking it to service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to their death.