Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for cutaneous t-cell lymphoma, to include mycosis fungoides, and a 10 percent rating for multiple, noncompensable, service-connected disabilities due to the need for further evaluation of the veteran's CTCL.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his gastrointestinal disorder, right leg laceration, and back disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and right hand disability, finding that there is no evidence of a direct relationship to service or any other compensable condition. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal for entitlement to an effective date prior to August 15, 2017 for additional dependency benefits based on school attendance for the Veteran's child.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for microcytic anemia, which was related to exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune, has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issue is considered closed as there are no surviving eligible persons who can take the appellant's place in the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right-hand disabilities, including palmar fasciitis, palmar fibroma, and Dupuytren's contracture, are related to his service as a mechanic. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The claim for a higher rating for left patellar realignment is being remanded due to conflicting findings from the previous examination and the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records prior to the March 2016 claim on appeal.

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

The Board has remanded the appeal for service connection of degenerative joint disease and impingement syndrome affecting both upper extremities due to potential synergistic effects from various exposures, including radiation, asbestos, and chemicals.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status, so the claim is dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for residuals of cold injury of the left foot. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left foot disorder, other than cold injury residuals, will be the subject of a separate decision docketed at the Board.

The Veteran's appeal for reimbursement of medical expenses from December 22 to 24, 2014 at Mercy Regional Medical Center and Pagosa Mountain Hospital is being remanded due to the need for additional information regarding Medicare EOBs.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for gastritis and duodenal ulcer, as well as his claim for service connection for a bilateral knee condition. The Veteran was previously scheduled for VA examinations but refused to attend them. A virtual examination is needed for both issues.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA awards are currently effective April 29, 2017. The Board has determined that the earliest possible effective date for his TDIU claim is April 1, 2007, as it is part of the underlying increased rating claim for post-surgical ulcerative colitis. However, the Veteran does not meet the schedular threshold for a TDIU prior to September 21, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an incomplete VA examination, and a new opinion is needed regarding whether the right pointer finger condition had onset in or is otherwise related to active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection for colon cancer, which is presumed related to herbicide exposure. The case must be returned for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development regarding his bilateral eye disorder and prostate disorder, as there is insufficient evidence or information to make a determination.

The Veteran's right hip impairment, specifically limitation of abduction/adduction and flexion, was granted a 10% disability rating effective February 20, 2023. The Veteran already had the maximum schedular rating for limitation of extension.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates prior to June 25, 2018, for the addition of his spouse and child to his compensation award are denied. The effective date is set at June 25, 2018, when he was in receipt of a combined disability rating of at least 30 percent.