Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine DJD has been manifested by subjective complaints of pain and guarding, resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the condition prior to January 29, 2020.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for left ulnar nerve palsy from 30% to 10%, effective August 1, 2013, was proper. A 20 percent rating is granted for the period since August 1, 2013. The TDIU claim has been remanded.

The Veteran's gout of the bilateral feet was initially rated as noncompensable prior to November 19, 2009. From November 19, 2009 to January 16, 2012, a rating in excess of 20 percent was denied. From January 16, 2012 to December 27, 2019, a 60 percent disability rating for gout of the bilateral feet was granted.,The Veteran's appeal regarding entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 60 percent since December 27, 2019 has been dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disorder, claimed as TIA, finding that there is no evidence to support a diagnosis of TIA and concluding that it is less likely than not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and TDIU due to concerns about potential bias in VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and a need for full compliance with contested claims procedures. The appellants are seeking accrued benefits for home health care provided by their family members prior to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left varicocele was dismissed due to his request to withdraw the appeal. The Board also remanded issues regarding skin rashes, allergies, and NHL.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for hiatal hernia as secondary to service-connected duodenal ulcer due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for an independent medical expert's opinion.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed without prejudice due to his death and the lack of proper substitution by an eligible individual.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's peripheral artery disease, as it may be related to service. The issue will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to assess the Veteran's upper extremity and bladder neurologic disabilities associated with his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Veteran reported urination difficulties, right hand numbness, and tremors. These issues need further evaluation.

The Board dismissed the appeal as moot because the Veteran's claim for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA benefits was resolved in his favor by the Committee.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that he maintains substantially gainful employment and is not rendered unable to obtain or maintain such employment as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for right lower extremity varicose veins is not possible due to a prior reversal and revision based on clear and unmistakable error in the original decision.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a skin condition, to include as secondary to service-connected right wrist fracture residuals (now claimed as right hand disability).

Service connection is granted for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue due to in-service herbicide agent exposure. The skin disorder issue remains remanded as insufficient evidence was provided regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the need for extra-schedular consideration given his culinary arts background and physical limitations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is at least as likely as not caused by exposure to Gulf War environmental exposures, such as oil fires and burn pits in service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's military service does not qualify for VA benefits and has remanded to develop his underlying claims for stroke residuals and right eye blindness.

The Veteran's service-connected gout and degenerative joint disease of the right and left feet are being remanded for further evaluation due to increased severity since his last examination.