Other conditions decisions — 2022

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no final decision can be made.

The Board dismissed the appeal on total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to new evidence being added to the record.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right thumb distal phalanx avulsion fracture, finding that the evidence did not show limitation of motion with a gap of more than two inches between the thumb pad and the fingers.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to a lack of evidence linking cardiovascular disease or PTSD to service, and as such, the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a rash of legs, back, and feet, an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder prior to April 13, 2021, and entitlement to TDIU prior to April 13, 2021 due to incomplete development.

Effective February 7, 2016, retroactive payment of DEA benefits under Chapter 35 is granted. The effective date for the award of basic eligibility for DEA benefits in this case is January 5, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ulcer disorder, claimed as duodenal ulcers, is service connected. The evidence shows a history of ulcer symptoms during and after service, with no clear indication of aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including STRs from his active duty and Reserve service. The VA will also schedule a physical examination to determine if these conditions are related to his service or any other factors.

The Board has decided that the case should be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for review considering additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU due to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for a left upper extremity neurologic disability and TDIU due to the need for updated examination and medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for pleural effusion is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death and for service connection for mantle cell lymphoma during his lifetime. The decision found that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's death to any service-connected condition or to exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current diagnoses to his period of active service.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment deficiencies, including suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic and depression, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and inability to establish effective relationships. The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for the condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neuromuscular disorder due to an allergic reaction to the flu shot. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran has Guillain-Barre Syndrome related to her in-service flu shot.

The Board denied compensation for a chest wall disability, including costochondritis and chest pain, incurred as a result of VA chiropractic treatment. The most probative evidence did not reach the level of equipoise in determining that the Veteran's additional disability was caused by VA carelessness or negligence.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and there are no provisions for substitution or accrued benefits in this case.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen and related surgeries, finding that his current hiatal hernia is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.