Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has denied a higher rating for the service-connected left foot callus, and the Veteran is requesting a remand to obtain SSA records and update VA medical records. The matter will also be evaluated with a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining an examination and opinions regarding whether the breast reduction surgery is related to service-connected endometriosis and any toxic exposure during deployment.

The Board has determined that there was insufficient compliance with its prior remand instructions and thus requires another remand for the service connection claim related to the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the bilateral feet is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral ovarian cysts with endometrial ablation have been rated at 30 percent disabling. The Board found that the symptoms, including pelvic pain and heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment, do not warrant a higher rating as there are no confirmed bowel or bladder lesions.

The Veteran's injury to the lower jaw and loss of lower teeth are granted as secondary to his service-connected throat cancer, which involved radiation therapy. The initial rating for dental problems associated with tooth number 20 is also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current left and right elbow disabilities are related to his service, specifically the documented bursitis in 2010.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of clavicle surgery with left upper extremity (LUE) neurological damage needs further development due to a missing consent form.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of his misconduct.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection related to asbestos exposure is not resolved and requires further development.

The Board denied recognition of the appellant as the Veteran's surviving spouse due to their divorce in 1986 and the Veteran's remarriage, despite some visitations after separation.

The Veteran's right trapezius strain affecting Group I muscles is granted a 30 percent rating effective from September 6, 2019.,The Veteran's left trapezius strain affecting Group I muscles is granted a 20 percent rating effective from September 6, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his pulmonary fibrosis was at least as likely as not related to his presumed in-service exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). The decision also considers whether his service-connected diabetes mellitus contributed to his lung conditions.

The Veteran seeks a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 26, 2014. The Board has remanded the case for further consideration by the Director of Compensation and Pension Services regarding TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development regarding the Veteran's diverticulitis claim, specifically concerning whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for a sleep problem and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's death was not caused by or contributed substantially to his service-connected disabilities, including presumed exposure to radiation. The Board found no evidence of exposure to chemicals, herbicide agents, or depleted uranium during service and concluded that the appellant's lay assertions were not competent evidence of a medical nexus.

The Board denied service connection for right and left elbow disabilities as there is no current evidence of a disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing records and insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right eye disability resulting from a cataract surgery at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glioblastoma multiforme, which was caused by service exposure to herbicide agents, contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.