Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's knee disabilities, including instability and arthritis, are currently rated at 10% each. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating from January 16, 2020 to June 10, 2020 for deep vein thrombosis of the right leg. The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating prior to this date is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of head trauma and stroke, to include as secondary to the service-connected residuals of a left knee injury, status post partial medial meniscectomy, was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of chronic disability in service or within one year after separation from service, and that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis for traumatic brain injury. The VA examiner opined that her strokes were most likely caused by hypercoagulable state, medication non-adherence, and cocaine use.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) due to herbicide exposure, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The decision is based on the presumption of exposure in Vietnam and the Veteran's treating hematologist's opinion that his MDS is at least as likely as not related to his exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for female infertility/a reproductive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to her military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an esophageal condition, finding that there is no evidence linking her current condition to her active service.

The Veteran's dry eye syndrome has not resulted in any more than occasional irritation during the appeal period, and therefore a compensable rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gallbladder removal surgery was proximately caused by or due to his service-connected Hepatitis C, and thus grants service connection for this condition as secondary.

The Board has reopened the claim for left ulnar nerve involvement and remanded it. The Veteran's heroin addiction is being considered as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with dysthymia, and TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos, chemicals, and pesticides during service. The claim will be reconsidered with additional information from the appellant and further review of service department records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's cardiomyopathy and his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, as well as the potential secondary effect of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a dental disorder, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board has granted an extraschedular rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's lower back and coccyx strain, in addition to the current schedular 10 percent rating. The decision is based on marked interference with employment due to the Veteran’s symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding whether VA was correct to adjust VA pension based on a change in medical expenses.

The Board denied increased ratings for service-connected chondromalacia of the right and left patella, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's hip abduction limitations are already at the maximum schedular rating of 20 percent for each hip.,No further increase in ratings is warranted as the current evaluations reflect the severity of the Veteran’s hip abduction conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a right index finger disability due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his current condition. The case will be returned to the Board for further review after obtaining additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA opinions regarding a right elbow condition. The Veteran's lay statements and post-service treatment records indicate chronic symptoms, but the VA examiners did not consider these factors in their conclusions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR) from the Court, which addressed issues beyond the fault element of the waiver application. The matter is now being reconsidered regarding the validity of the debt and whether VA was solely responsible for the overpayment.

The Board denied service connection for a digestive disorder, including pancreatitis and cholecystectomy residuals, finding that the current condition is related to alcohol abuse during active duty.