Other conditions decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder including rectal bleeding. The Veteran's respiratory condition is denied as there is no evidence of an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness.

The appeal is dismissed due to the appellant's death, and her daughter has requested substitution. The Board cannot adjudicate the request for substitution in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of cold weather injury or related symptoms, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination for service connection of poor blood circulation in bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran claims exposure to Agent Orange and/or his service-connected diabetes mellitus or knee disabilities as the cause.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity, upper extremity, and hip conditions due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his current condition and his military service. The Board also found no evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's service connection for an eye disorder is granted. Her hip conditions, including arthralgia sacroiliitis with trochanteric pain syndrome (limitation of extension) and limitation of flexion, are granted at the maximum schedular rating. The Veteran's right hip thigh impairment and left hip thigh impairment are also granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA survivor's benefits as there was insufficient evidence to establish that he is entitled to such benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for weakness and a respiratory condition, both secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The case is being returned for further development including obtaining an addendum opinion from the physician-examiner who provided the September 1, 2021 medical opinion.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's diverticulitis is not related to service and remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the amount of overpayment debt for the Veteran needs to be recalculated due to conflicting information and unassociated records. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary documentation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left foot hallux valgus with arthritis and right foot arthritis, finding that neither condition warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted a separate rating for disfigurement due to shrapnel wound, but denied an increased rating and TDIU. The case is being remanded for the Veteran to submit a VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate January 2020 VA examiner's opinion regarding the etiology of any current stomach disability, including PUD and hiatal hernia. The claim is now pending for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current right arm musculoskeletal disability is related to his service. The Veteran reported injuries during active service and underwent VA examinations for these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the claims for payment or reimbursement of medical treatment provided by the appellant on November 4, 2020, November 18, 2020, and December 16, 2020 as payment was already made in March and April 2021.

The Veteran's appeal to disapprove the apportionment of VA compensation benefits was dismissed because he did not file a timely Notice of Disagreement within 60 days after receiving the January 2020 decision.

The Veteran's service connection for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been granted, and he is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another due to his ALS.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition of the legs, head, neck and face, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board dismissed the appeals for payment or reimbursement of medical costs from Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Providence Health Services as they were paid in full by VA.