Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to lack of evidence showing a link between in-service exposure and the Veteran's liver cancer, which was diagnosed after his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). As a result, the claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's residuals of fracture second right metatarsal are rated at a 30 percent rating, reflecting significant pain and functional impairment.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including retropatellar pain syndrome and DJD with limitation of motion, is currently rated at 20 percent.,From May 27, 2015 to February 7, 2021, the Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for instability of the left knee.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lateral epicondylitis of the elbows, finding that it is not secondary to his service-connected shoulder disabilities and is more likely due to post-service overuse. The Board concluded that there was no evidence linking the elbow condition to in-service events or injuries.

The Veteran's left elbow disability is rated at 20 percent effective December 27, 2021. The rating is based on functional loss due to pain and weakened movement during flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the requirements for VR&E benefits under Chapter 31 of the United States Code, as he does not have an employment handicap and is therefore not in need of rehabilitation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for soft tissue carcinoma and cause of death due to service-connected disability. The remand requires obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's appendiceal cancer, which metastasized to the lungs and bones, and his presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's right little finger disability is rated at a 10 percent rating from June 18, 2014 to October 31, 2021. The appeal for an increased rating beyond this period is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a ventral hernia as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected peripheral artery disease.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cold injury residuals of the hands and feet, as well as Raynaud's disease, are granted. The Veteran's claim for a neck condition (claimed as car wreck) is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death is denied as his brain cancer was not caused by or contributed to by his military service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for pulmonary fibrosis is denied. The claim for alopecia (hair loss) will be remanded due to a need for additional development and opinion regarding its relationship to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his deviated septum and pharyngo-tympanic tubes disabilities are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance, special monthly compensation at the housebound rate, and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's mental disabilities. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions and consider extraschedular consideration if warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found the termination of benefits due to fugitive felon status was improper and granted restoration of VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in the June 2018 VA examination regarding the Veteran's lung granuloma and other respiratory disabilities. The examiner did not adequately address the Veteran's assertions of exposure to teargas, fumes from diesel-powered equipment, and contaminated water during service.

The Veteran's unauthorized non-VA medical care for severe back and hip pain on February 10, 2018 is covered by VA because the condition was new and life-threatening.