Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence on whether in-service chemical exposure caused or contributed to the Veteran's cause of death, alcoholic liver disease.

The Veteran's increased evaluation for hallux rigidus, right foot is denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to pain and instability of the scar, residual neuroma resection dorsum of the right foot.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his right hip, left hip, right knee, and TBI residuals due to unclear notification of scheduled examinations. Additional development is needed including obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling additional examinations, and providing an addendum opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's hip disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for reimbursement of non-VA medical services provided by Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for loss of teeth 9 and 23 is denied as the evidence does not show, and the Veteran has not contended, that he lost all of his upper anterior teeth, all of his lower anterior teeth, or all upper and lower teeth on one side. The Board found no functional impairment affecting earning capacity due to pain associated with loss of teeth.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right and left Achilles tendinopathy with forefoot callouses prior to December 29, 2022.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neurological disorders of the left and right lower extremities due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of a definitive diagnosis. The Veteran's symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness in his feet.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding service connection for hematological disabilities, including myelofibrosis and anemia. A new VA examination is needed based on full review of the record.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the prior decision, including a lack of discussion on whether PTSD medications aggravated the Veteran's diverticulitis and colonic polyps. The Veteran is required to provide a new medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for Merkel cell carcinoma as a result of exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The decision is based on the Veteran's death and his surviving spouse's claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being submitted after a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The Veteran and his attorney have not waived AOJ review of this evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including adjustment disorder and other specified trauma disorder, are related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disorder due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma, and the Board dismissed it.

The Board has restored the 20% disability ratings for bilateral lower extremity varicose veins, but has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), as well as increased rating for gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's right foot disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5284 for other foot injuries. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show symptoms more nearly approximating severe other foot injuries.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no final decision can be made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right hip sacral stress fracture have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right hip disorder, left hip disorder, and right leg limb length discrepancy.,All issues related to service connection have been resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional VA medical opinions to address whether the Veteran's right and left foot disorders are caused or worsened by his service-connected right and left ankle disabilities.