Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeals for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as the appellant (Veteran) has passed away.

The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus condition, characterized by marked tenderness and all toes tending to dorsiflexion, is rated at a 30 percent since the beginning of the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current right forearm disability is related to service. The Veteran needs additional medical opinions on this matter.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances are being remanded due to the need for clarification on the specific back brace used and any active lidocaine prescriptions in 2015.

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

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for retroperitoneal fibrosis and TDIU prior to May 11, 2018 is denied. The Board found that the current severity of the symptomatology attributable to the service-connected retroperitoneal fibrosis does not support a compensable disability rating under DC 7529. As of May 11, 2018, the Veteran has been in receipt of a total schedular rating and special monthly compensation for his end stage renal disease.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for thrombophlebitis of the left lower extremity was denied. The Board found that his symptoms, while causing discomfort and limitations, did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria. For TDIU, the Veteran was deemed unemployable due to service-connected disabilities but maintained employment during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a liver disability, finding that the Veteran's alcohol use disorder was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's skin condition. Additional development is needed, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The appeal for post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for varicose veins of the left and right lower legs due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. The case is returned to the RO for a detailed explanation regarding the November 1957 rating decision and readjudication based on the evidence currently associated with the claims file.

The Board found that the overpayment of Chapter 33 education assistance benefits was valid and denied the appeal.

The Veteran's Crohn's disease was rated at 30 percent prior to February 4, 2019. The evidence did not show severe symptoms with numerous attacks and malnutrition.

The Board has granted service connection for spondylosis L5-S1 and a left hip condition. The case is remanded to obtain updated treatment records, provide another VA examination, and determine the relationship between the Veteran's left thigh condition and active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and a need for further examination and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral leg disability.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection issues were decided.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has already granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, so there is nothing left to decide.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for nerve conditions of both lower extremities, finding no evidence to support a link between these conditions and either diabetes mellitus or exposure to herbicide agents.