Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's HIV began during service or was aggravated by service, and whether it preexisted service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's increased disability evaluation for panic disorder/agoraphobia to 70% has been granted with an effective date of July 12, 2014. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is still pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate TBI examination and for obtaining updated treatment records. The Veteran is seeking an initial compensable rating for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) other than headaches and vertigo, and clarification on whether his symptoms are separate from his anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a genitourinary disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty and have continued since then. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements regarding in-service experiences and reports of symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development and the need for an adequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed prostate condition.

The Veteran's pre-existing lymphedema was permanently aggravated beyond its natural progression during active service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's esophageal anastomotic stricture, incisional hernia, and abdominal wound dehiscence are granted as additional disabilities incurred from VA surgery. Residuals of the esophageal surgery are also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his right leg muscle injury, right thigh flexion and right thigh extension. The issues are being returned to the RO for further proceedings.

The Board has remanded the case for further action regarding earlier effective dates and a CUE claim, as well as readjudication of the SMC at the housebound rate prior to September 14, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of compliance with previous directives, specifically regarding the impact of all service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to function in an occupational setting for the period from April 22, 2005, to December 10, 2008.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and clarification regarding the validity of an overpayment of VA benefits due to the extension of the Veteran's active-duty service, as well as the amount of the overpayment. The issues include determining whether the debt is valid and whether a waiver of recovery should be granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of perforated left ear drum, finding that his current chronic ear problems are related to his in-service left ear perforation and infections.

The Board denied service connection for liver cancer, finding that the Veteran's current liver cancer was not related to his in-service exposure at Camp Lejeune due to it being a metastatic condition from another primary cancer.

The Board has determined that the remand directives have not been substantially complied with and an additional remand is required to clarify current diagnoses of the left eye and obtain adequate opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for his left hip disorders based on limitation of extension, adduction, abduction, and rotation is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand two issues related to the Veteran's VA dependency benefits. The first issue is whether the removal of his former spouse, J.R., from his award was validly created due to a divorce in May 2000. The second issue is whether the Veteran should be granted a waiver for any overpayment resulting from this removal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an intestinal disability and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for continued eligibility to REAP benefits after November 25, 2015 is denied as she was not enrolled in a term, quarter, or semester that spanned this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinions regarding service connection for eye disabilities. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered, but an additional VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for thoracic spine disability and TDIU prior to specific dates are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations. Additional development is needed, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a retrospective medical opinion.