Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for sickle cell trait and alpha thalassemia, finding that the conditions are congenital defects rather than diseases or injuries. The Veteran's symptoms were attributed to his genetic conditions without evidence of aggravation during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to improper handling of overpayment and remittance of unreimbursed medical expenses incurred in 2013. The RO is required to remit $782 and $11,606 to the Appellant for these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to a flawed opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to engage in gainful employment prior to November 30, 2017. The claim is now pending for further development and consideration.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for residuals of a left arm injury (claimed as infection/cellulitis). The Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for waiver of overpayment was dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the application to reopen a claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to lack of new and material evidence, concluding that the March 2003 denial remains final as no new evidence was submitted within one year of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral keratoconus is denied. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on visual acuity or incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurological disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during his active service and that any current symptoms were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a special monthly pension has been dismissed because the appellant passed away before a decision could be made on the merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability for compensation purposes, finding that there was no evidence of inservice trauma or disease resulting in bone loss of the maxilla or mandible.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a prostate condition, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active military service or exposure to herbicide agents. The Board concluded that the Veteran's enlarged prostate was more likely due to aging and unrelated to his in-service symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ED and diabetes has been granted. The claim for a dental condition is denied as it does not meet the criteria for compensation purposes. The case is remanded to obtain an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes.

The Veteran's left fifth (pinky) finger disability needs to be re-evaluated due to recent assertions of increased severity. A new VA examination is required.

The appeal was dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as chondrocalcinosis of the lateral compartment and degenerative joint disease, was evaluated at 10 percent. The Board found that his flexion did not limit to less than 30 degrees or result in incapacitating exacerbations.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus due to inadequate VA medical opinions and the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's ameloblastoma of the right maxillary sinus was related to his service exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including obstructive airway disease, is presumed to have been incurred in Southwest Asia due to exposure to burn pits during service. The Board found reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran and granted service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability of the third finger of the right hand due to lack of current disability. The PTSD appeal is remanded as there are inconsistencies in the evidence regarding its severity.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right arm numbness, left arm numbness, right elbow condition, and left elbow condition due to the need for a new examination opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome.