Other conditions decisions — 2022

The Veteran's insomnia was rated at 30 percent from May 1, 2012, to January 20, 2022. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,As of January 20, 2022, the Veteran's insomnia was rated at 50 percent. The Board again found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a disagreement over whether the Veteran can receive compensation for his hiatal hernia, and because an additional medical opinion is needed regarding its onset during service or its relation to his service-connected conditions.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's stomach-related disabilities and their relationship to service, service-connected conditions, and obesity. The examination results will be used to determine if service connection is warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's right fifth metacarpal fracture is rated as 30 percent under separate ratings for thumb, index finger, and long finger limitations of motion.

The Board has decided that the VHA records are not associated with the Veteran's electronic claims file, and thus a remand is required to obtain these documents.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of beneficiary travel expenses for ambulance transportation provided by the Village of Manlius to a VA medical facility on July 4, 2017 is denied because he did not meet the necessary eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Veteran's pension benefits were terminated from December 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 due to excess income.,Pension benefits at the maximum annual pension rate were reinstated for the period January 1, 2011 to November 30, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for SMC based on loss of use of both hands and higher rates of SMC under specific provisions were dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service records show he had a laceration on his left foot in 1970. However, the VA examiner could not examine him due to post-surgical recovery. The Board finds that an additional examination is needed to determine if any current left foot conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue base is granted as service connected, and his increased disability rating for right shoulder biceps tendonitis is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's breathing problems and night sweats, which are currently considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits due to concurrent receipt of military service pay is remanded for further development, including verification of drill days and payment amounts.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for an esophageal disorder due to exposure at Camp Lejeune and/or as related to a service-connected right knee disorder. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, rating reduction, and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a benign prostatic hypertrophy or hip disorder, as initially claimed as a urological defect. The case is being sent back to the January 2022 VA examiner for an addendum opinion regarding whether the injury to Group XIV had its onset in service or is otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an in-person examination to determine the nature of any ear disabilities, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear pain. The Veteran's service-connected lupus is not considered a factor in these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC were denied. The fifth metacarpal fracture of the right hand was found to not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The fourth metacarpal strain of the right hand was also found not to meet criteria for a compensable evaluation. Additionally, entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of the right hand was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran had diverticulitis during or proximate to the appeal period. The case will be further examined and clarified.

The Veteran's squamous cell cancer of the tongue is being remanded for further evaluation due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remands. The case will be reviewed and a new medical opinion will be sought to determine if the cancer is related to service, specifically exposure to herbicide agents or contaminated water at Camp LeJeune.