Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating for status post spinal fusion surgery in excess of 10 percent prior to October 20, 2021, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for reactive airway disease, residuals of disseminated coccidioidomycosis, prior to October 20, 2021, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter, is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for progressive supranuclear palsy was denied. The Board also granted SMC for aid and attendance based on the Veteran's need for assistance due to his service-connected disabilities, including dementia and tremors of upper extremities. However, the claim for SMC for loss of use of lower extremities was not granted as it would have required a separate disability basis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for muscle, joint, and limb pain. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the spine, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current back disorder and active duty. The Board noted that the Veteran had multiple injuries post-service but did not report any back issues until after discharge.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric condition is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse, finding that she submitted new and material evidence warranting reconsideration of her original denial.

The Veteran's immune disability and recurrent joint disability were not found to be service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to his military service. The issues related to hypertension, sinus disability, pulmonary disability, and psychiatric disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left leg is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of rating in excess of 40 percent for DVT of the right leg.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right foot disorder, including hallux valgus.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being submitted, a need for an opinion regarding esophageal cancer and its relation to service exposure, and issues related to service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a MUCMI and sinus disability have been granted. The claim for OSA, headaches, joint pain in the elbows and shoulders, and left ankle and knee disabilities were previously resolved.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed right foot sprain residuals. The examiner did not provide a clear opinion on whether the current disability is related to service, and there are concerns about the credibility of the Veteran's statements.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals, thoracic vertebral compression fracture T-8 is denied as the evidence does not show that his back condition has resulted in forward flexion to 60 degrees or less, a combined range of motion of 120 degrees or less, or muscle spasms severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected endometriosis is remanded due to the failure to provide a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's stomach ulcers are related to service, including as secondary to her service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pleurisy and chronic pneumonia, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his service-connected fracture of the 8th and 9th left ribs.

The Veteran's entitlement to compensation benefits for pancreatitis and a gall bladder condition is granted.,The case of the gall bladder condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity anterior compartment syndrome and left popliteal artery entrapment syndrome due to inadequate medical opinions based on inaccurate information from his STRs. Further development is needed, including obtaining complete service treatment records and personnel files.

The Veteran's claim for medical reimbursement for a non-VA emergency room visit on May 24, 2017 was denied as there were VA facilities available and the Veteran chose to seek treatment at a non-VA facility.

The Veteran's bilateral pseudophakia with bilateral macular holes was granted a 70 percent disability rating from August 8, 2016. The claim for extraschedular evaluation is pending.