Other conditions decisions — 2023

The appeal of the hypertension claim is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's pancreatitis is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding its relationship to service, including Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's Raynaud's syndrome has been granted a single initial rating of 40 percent, but no higher, prior to March 2, 2020. A rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral Raynaud's syndrome since March 2, 2020 is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases of diastasis recti and shin splints for further development due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examiners.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective dates for the addition of his spouse and children to VA disability compensation was denied. The effective date assigned is February 21, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues related to the appellant's application for correction of military records and his pending claim with the Army. The AOJ is directed to request authorizations from the ARBA and provide further opportunities to obtain information.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination reports and to determine if the Veteran's restrictive lung disease is secondary to his service-connected thoracic kyphosis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for bilateral ovarian cysts, ovarian cyst removal, adhesions, and endometriosis is denied as the evidence does not show bowel or bladder involvement.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's respiratory disability is related to his service, specifically his in-service fall and potential exposure to chemicals.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a fourth metacarpal fracture and TDIU can be adjudicated. The VA must obtain copies of the Veteran's SSA records, complete his TDIU claim form, schedule him for an examination regarding the impact of his fourth metacarpal fracture on employment, refer his claims to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration, and provide a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to lack of evidence connecting the Veteran's death to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete opinions regarding the Veteran's head injury.

The Veteran's perianal and intra anal condyloma acuminatum has not resulted in underlying soft tissue damage, superficial scarring in an area of less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.), pain or frequent loss of the covering of the skin over a scar, or any disabling effects. The condition does not involve more than 5 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected and does not require intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids, phototherapy to include long-wave ultraviolet-A light (PUVA), retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, or other immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, a compensable rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical opinions and potential aggravation of a kidney disability by his left big toe disability. The claims will be further evaluated with additional evidence or examination.

The Veteran's appeal for special compensation based on housebound criteria being met was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a final decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left elbow disability and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pinguecula due to inadequate VA examinations and missing private treatment records.

The Veteran's pulmonary embolism and DVT were not caused by VA care, but rather a known risk of the November 2009 cardiac catheterization. The Board finds no fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's ischemic colon was a reasonably unforeseeable result of the November 2011 surgery. The Veteran does not have residual disability of the gallbladder or appendix from the November/December 2011 VA treatment.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal, and the Board has dismissed it due to lack of allegations for appellate consideration.

The Veteran's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA compensation benefits was denied due to untimely filing. The Board has ordered additional development, including obtaining a copy of the December 4, 2007, letter notifying the Veteran of indebtedness and the 180-day filing requirement.