Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding an increase in the rate for dependents before a decision was made.

The Board has granted separate 20 percent evaluations for left and right foot pes cavus with hammertoe deformities effective September 14, 2015. The Veteran also received SMC due to loss of use of both feet.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no effective date was assigned for the 20 percent rating for left knee instability.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any condition causing or contributing to his death to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip disorder is related to active duty service and remands for further development of records.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate addendum medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically addressing whether his pulmonary fibrosis was incurred in or caused by his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung disability and esophageal cancer, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his in-service herbicide exposure. The Board also noted that the Veteran had other risk factors such as heavy alcohol use which could have contributed to his esophageal cancer.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for pancreatic cancer, including herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with additional development.

The Board has vacated the June 2020 decision granting service connection for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, as there was no pending claim at the time of death. The Veteran did not have ischemic heart disease and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is not recognized by VA as a disease associated with exposure to certain herbicides.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for an increased apportionment to his children is remanded due to procedural issues and a need for updated financial information.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's other unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder, finding that it had its onset during service.

The Board denied service connection for right lower extremity varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis with pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), and post-phlebitis syndrome. Service connection was granted for left lower extremity varicose veins.,Service connection was not established for the claimed vascular disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between service and these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a March 2010 surgical procedure at a VA medical center, finding that there was no evidence of malpractice or negligence on the part of VA.

The claim for service connection of right hip disorder is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new examination and clarification of the extent of the Veteran's service-connected residuals of right hand fourth and fifth finger fractures, including any involvement with his third (middle/long) finger.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin condition, finding that there is no evidence linking his current skin disability to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hiatal hernia, finding that it is not secondary to his service-connected duodenal ulcer or heart condition.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for nasal damage/nose bleeds due to conflicting opinions and a need for clarification.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a TDIU rating, and the Board has dismissed this issue as a result.