Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stress related disorder is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity, as her statements indicate worsening since the last examination in 2018. The appeal will be reconsidered after the examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right hip disorder and left hip disorder due to potential service connection issues, including an examination and medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for gout due to insufficient evidence, and a new medical opinion is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved medical questions and potential negligence in post-operative care, which may affect the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected ganglion cyst of the right wrist has been denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis, which would be required for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck condition and left upper arm numbness, finding that these conditions are related to her active service.

The Board denied service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia as there was no evidence of exposure to dioxins or herbicide agents during military service, and the disease did not have its onset in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral cataracts and conjunctivitis disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's arthritis of the great right toe is granted as secondary to his service-connected arthritis in the hands and fingers.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses due to insufficient evidence and missing procedural documents.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as status post large intestine neoplasm with tubular adenoma, is denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of the condition and concluded that it was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service. For the left collarbone fracture, the claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for waiver of an overpayment due to drill pay in FY 2015 is remanded. The VA needs to conduct a paid and due audit to determine the validity of the debt, including accounting for the Veteran's drill periods and compensation payments.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected lichenification, as well as his increased rating and earlier effective date claims.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for otitis media/externa is being remanded due to the failure to substantially comply with previous instructions, specifically regarding notification of a scheduled examination.

The Veteran's right hip hamstring insertion pain syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's bladder dysfunction associated with intervertebral disc syndrome was rated at 30 percent, the maximum for obstructed voiding. The Board found that urinary incontinence or frequency did not predominate during the period of claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of an overpayment debt due to a change in dependency status, finding that the creation of the debt was proper and not solely administrative error.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of right mastoidectomy and chronic otitis media, finding that new and material evidence was not received. The rating for his right inguinal hernia repair is remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's breast cancer was related to her exposure to herbicide agents during service.