Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's bilateral metatarsalgia and right and left toe hallux valgus with hallux rigidus have been denied increased ratings. However, the Veteran has been granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis as secondary to his service-connected hallux valgus and metatarsalgia.,The VA examiner noted that the Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus was mild in severity and without surgery, while his bilateral hallux rigidus of the great toes was also noted to be of mild severity. Bilateral metatarsalgia is rated as severe due to its direct relationship with the service-connected hallux valgus and rigidus.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for further examination of the Veteran's right elbow disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for thrombocytopenia/hemolytic anemia, finding that there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service and that the current disability is not related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, specifically obtaining Social Security Disability medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right eye conditions, but dismissed the appeal as there is no longer a claim in controversy.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the appellant, through his authorized representative, requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the case.

The Board has remanded the cases for a determination on an earlier effective date for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance based on service-connected disabilities, as these issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's urinary and fecal incontinence is caused by his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals, and the Board dismissed them due to lack of allegations of errors of fact or law.

The Board has determined that the file is incomplete and there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error, necessitating remand for further action.

The Board has found a pre-decisional error in the notice provided to the Veteran and his spouse regarding their eligibility for PCAFC benefits. The decision is remanded to correct this error, evaluate the Veteran's eligibility under the correct statutory criteria for 'need for supervision, protection, or instruction', and provide complete notice as required by 38 U.S.C. § 5104.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of upper and lower extremity disorders are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The case will be returned for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of all diagnosed conditions, including those related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his painful residual scar, status post right hernia repair, is dismissed. Service connection for a left inguinal hernia is granted. The matter of the appropriate compensable rating for bilateral inguinal hernia repairs is remanded.

The Veteran's left eye disability is being remanded for new medical opinions to determine if it was caused by or proximately caused by VA care, and whether there were any failures in the treatment that allowed the condition to progress.

The Veteran withdrew all matters on appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

The Veteran's spouse, J.E., was not notified of the basis for the denial and did not receive adequate notice as required by law. The matter is being remanded to provide proper notification.

The Veteran's appeal for PCAFC benefits was dismissed as a matter of law due to his death prior to the initiation of the claim.

The appeal for payment or reimbursement of beneficiary travel expenses incurred on October 27, 2020 was dismissed as the claim has been administratively reversed and approved.

The Veteran's glioblastoma brain cancer is granted service connection as directly related to his exposure to burn pits and environmental toxins during active duty in Saudi Arabia.