Other conditions decisions — 2023

Your claim for service connection for hidradenitis suppurativa has been granted, and the appeal is dismissed as there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg amputation was due to peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which is presumed to be service-connected based on his exposure to herbicide agents during active service in Vietnam. The decision grants service connection for residuals of a right lower extremity amputation.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and no service connection issues were decided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye disorder, finding that there is no evidence of such condition during or within one year after service and concluding that it is not related to service.

The claim for service connection for vision loss is reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted in part, as the issue of reopening the claim is decided.

The VA reduced the Veteran's compensation benefits from 80% to 10%, effective June 27, 2018, due to his felony conviction. The reduction was proper and created a valid debt.

The Veteran's right toe gout is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of this amount.

The Veteran's right and left leg disabilities characterized as muscle pain, fatigue and weakness are granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports service connection for these conditions based on their onset during or shortly after his Gulf War service. However, further examination is needed to address potential toxic exposure claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right great toe amputation, finding that it is not related to his service-connected disabilities or an in-service injury.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a neurological condition, which he claims is due to environmental exposure during his service in Oman, is remanded. The Board needs to verify the duration of his service in Oman and confirm if he was exposed to burn pits or other toxins.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left elbow disabilities need further examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's lung condition, including pleural plaques of the bilateral lungs, is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to asbestos during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left hand conditions, finding that his bilateral symphalangism was a congenital defect that preexisted service and did not undergo permanent worsening during active duty.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for survivor's pension benefits from November 1, 2014, to February 1, 2018, finding that her income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate and she did not provide sufficient evidence of unreimbursed medical expenses.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for a left upper extremity neurological disorder, finding that it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to metastatic carcinoma of the colon, finding an approximate balance of positive and negative medical evidence regarding whether the condition was caused by herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The benefit of doubt rule applies.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hallux valgus, finding that the condition is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic pain of the bilateral hips is being remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development regarding service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the head, neck, and tongue.

The Board has granted service connection for endometriosis, status post exploratory laparotomy and total abdominal hysterectomy as the Veteran's condition had its onset during active service.