Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's stepdaughter, A.S., is denied recognition as a helpless child due to her marriage and the fact that she does not qualify for VA benefits as per VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for his right hip and thigh disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to December 10, 2019 or a disability rating in excess of 20 percent since then.

The Veteran's initial rating for nephrolithiasis related to service-connected Crohn’s disease is granted at a 10 percent level. The TDIU claim prior to November 20, 2015, is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Veteran's thoracic strain with degenerative changes is currently rated at 20 percent prior to July 1, 2019 and in excess of 20 percent after that date. Separate ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for polymyositis has been fully granted in a June 2017 rating decision, and the appeal is dismissed as there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's myelodysplastic syndrome is related to his in-service benzene exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

A 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion status-post remote distal right humerus fracture is granted effective October 13, 2020. Prior to this date, the disability did not result in painful flexion or limitation of flexion to less than 110 degrees.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical examination and opinions regarding the Veteran's right eye condition, particularly related to service connection.

The Board has restored the Veteran's Crohn’s disease rating from 30 percent to 60 percent, effective July 1, 2015. A rating in excess of 60 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's right hand disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective February 5, 2021. The left hand disability prior to February 11, 2016, was also granted a 10 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work from December 22, 2011, to May 22, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate findings in a previous VA examination, and additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's myofascial back pain is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board is remanding the case to allow the appellant to apply for a correction of her deceased husband's military record with the Army, as his name was not listed in the reconstructed roster. The issue will be readjudicated after this application.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral foot disorder, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a relationship between his current foot disorders and his military service.

The Board has remanded two issues regarding increased ratings for chondromalacia patella of the left and right knees due to the need for contemporaneous medical evidence.

The Board denied service connection for colon cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service or any in-service exposures.

The Board has denied a higher disability rating for bilateral cataracts with detached retina, right eye as the Veteran's visual acuity and field defect do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's fungal infection of the feet and groin is rated at 10 percent from October 5, 2012.