Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's right hydrocele has been shown to cause recurrent pain, but not atrophy or significant functional impairment. As such, the claim for an initial compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected left thumb amputation of distal tip with fracture is evaluated at a 20 percent disability rating, and the Board has determined that this evaluation is not sufficient to meet his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a new medical opinion regarding whether VA treatment caused or contributed to the Veteran's left eye enucleation.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the appellant's left inguinal hernia with residual pain due to ilio-inguinal nerve damage, finding that there was no evidence of an active or recurrent hernia and that the current symptoms are not related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's left calf muscle disability, which is service-connected and secondary to a service-connected left knee condition, has been granted an initial 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period. The disability is characterized by atrophy of the left gastrocnemius muscle, pain-fatigue, and functional impairment caused by pain.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary to obtain clarification on whether the Veteran's aortic valve stenosis qualifies as ischemic heart disease, and to determine if it clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service. The Board also requires an opinion regarding whether the condition was aggravated by service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left thumb and right thumb disabilities have been granted. Service connection has also been denied for a left eye disability and a stomach disability.

The appeal for accrued benefits due to a deceased beneficiary is dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand disability, finding that there is no credible evidence of any disease, injury, or event in service identifiable as a potential onset or cause of his current claimed right hand disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hip arthritis, as well as a groin disability, all of which are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The VA examiner's opinion was inadequate, and the Veteran is required to undergo new examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to faulty VA care during left hip replacement surgery in June 2012 is remanded as requested by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for diverticulitis due to inadequate medical opinion and need for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to missing VA treatment records, including from Seattle VA hospital, Anchorage VA hospital, and private treatment records. The Veteran may have been exposed to Agent Orange during his service aboard the USS Samuel Gompers.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA medical opinions regarding the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's pancreatitis, which may have been caused or aggravated by VA hospital care or medical treatment. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding private treatment records and arrange for an opinion from a clinician.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate nexus opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral cataracts and their relationship to service or his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the cause and etiology of any diagnosed right eye disability relative to the July 2013 cataract surgery, including whether it was caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's hypertension was rated at 10 percent under the rating criteria for hypertensive vascular disease. The Board found that his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were within the range of 80 to 94 diastolic and 130 to 140 systolic.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as there is no service-connected disability to support the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, which did not address the Veteran's flare-ups of pneumonia. The Veteran needs a new VA examination conducted during a flare-up.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS.