Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's esophageal disability, characterized by persistent recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, as well as substernal pain, nausea, and vomiting, is granted a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's challenge of the debt creation. The case will be returned for a review of the accuracy of the debt determination and an opportunity for the Veteran to submit updated financial information.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for herpes simplex is being remanded due to the receipt of additional relevant service treatment records in July 2016. The appeal as to whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's right little finger disability is rated at 20 percent for reduced grip strength, but the initial rating for his right little finger fracture residuals remains noncompensable.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to clarify the Veteran's work history and earnings, as there are ambiguities in the record regarding his employment status.

The Veteran's child dependency benefits were granted effective December 29, 2016. The Board found that the presumption of regularity was not rebutted and assigned an effective date based on the submission of a VA Form 21-4138.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA compensation benefits, finding that total recovery would not violate principles of equity and good conscience.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, including lichen planus, and for exposure to herbicide agents, other hazardous chemicals, and/or use of anti-malarial pills in service. The evidence does not support a finding that any current skin condition is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for adjustment disorder as there is no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder.

The Board has decided that an apportionment of $615.00 of the Veteran's VA benefits to R.W. is appropriate and has been remanded for further action.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a skin disorder or left ring finger disability separate from his service-connected conditions. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and personnel files. The Veteran's National Guard service records need to be requested.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for right heel disability should be remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding the presence of massive board-like edema and constant pain at rest prior to January 16, 2020. The AOJ must obtain updated medical records and provide an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for hyperlipidemia and diarrhea. The Veteran's claim is being reviewed again with a focus on obtaining an opinion from a medical examiner.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diverticulosis is granted as his current condition is considered a continuation of the gastrointestinal symptoms he experienced during service.

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

The Veteran's son is not eligible for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits because he turned 26 years old before the VA determined his father was permanently and totally disabled, thus making him ineligible under VA regulations.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Veteran's varicose veins have been granted service connection. The respiratory condition issue has been remanded for further examination and opinion.