Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial compensable rating claim for Dupuytren Disease of the right hand with deformed fourth digit (right ring finger disability) is denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that he has ankylosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and SMC at the housebound rate require additional development due to failure to report for VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically whether it is related to his active duty service or aggravated by rheumatic fever.

The Board has granted service connection for left scapula injury and left rotator cuff disability, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Board has ordered additional development related to the service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, including obtaining copies of medical opinions and curricula vitae. The case is now remanded for this development.

The Veteran's Raynaud's Syndrome is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the current severity of his disability.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of right thumb surgery in November 2008, finding that the additional disability was not caused by negligence or lack of proper skill on the part of VA.

The Veteran's urticaria was rated at 10 percent prior to August 13, 2018 and denied an increased rating. From August 13, 2018 forward, the Veteran's urticaria was rated at 30 percent and also denied an increased rating.,The Veteran’s urticaria is currently rated at 30 percent from August 13, 2018 forward under Diagnostic Code 7825. The Board found no evidence of third-line treatment (plasmapheresis, immunotherapy, or immunosuppressives) required for control and denied an increased rating.

The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hammertoes and claw feet, with the Board finding that all reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication, including obtaining an addendum medical report from the Veteran's treating VA physician regarding his service-connected hidradenitis suppurativa and peripheral vascular disease.

The Veteran's leukemia was not service-connected because there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other toxins, and the claim cannot be granted based on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's death pension benefits were denied because the appellant did not meet the requirements for recognition as a surviving spouse, including continuous cohabitation from the date of marriage to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for ulcers and partial finger amputation as secondary to service-connected psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder) and Parkinson's disease, respectively. The VA medical opinions obtained after the September 2019 remand are inadequate.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for a left quadriceps muscle tendon rupture and a left eye disability (dry eye syndrome) as both conditions are found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with past VA remands and a need for a new medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current right hip conditions are related to service. The Veteran is asked to provide any additional records and a new opinion will be sought.

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