Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's postoperative residuals of a bunionectomy of both feet with hallux valgus and degenerative joint disease are rated at 30 percent each, effective from the date of the decision.,Both service connection issues for bilateral hand disabilities and TDIU remain pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the case is not about service connection. The surviving spouse has been notified of potential benefits but no request for substitution has been received.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including scleroderma and its secondary effects, as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of medical nexus between the claimed conditions and active duty.

The appeal regarding the service connection for a dental disorder is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher level of payment for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance benefits was denied as his period of service from October 23, 2006 to February 26, 2007 did not qualify under the provisions of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Service connection is granted for a right foot disorder, but the appeal regarding a right knee disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records regarding the April 2011 right foot surgery, including consultations and work-ups prior to the procedure.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of stroke as secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's employment as a full-time tattoo artist throughout the appeal period means he is not unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's stomach and colon disability is secondary to his service-connected lower jaw disability, but needs further clarification from a medical examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right great toe disability, including degenerative arthrosis of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and porokeratosis callous, is related to his active service. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The veteran's basic eligibility for a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Home Loan Benefits is denied due to not meeting the required service duration and discharge criteria.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to December 23, 2014 was denied as the evidence did not provide sufficient information about his earned income from his lawn care business during that period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's stroke residuals and his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. Additional development is needed to determine if the stroke residuals are related to herbicide exposure or if they were aggravated by the diabetes.

The Veteran's cause of death due to cardiorespiratory failure is not etiologically related to service.,Basic eligibility for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence, particularly regarding a VA medical opinion on whether the Veteran's Guillain-Barre Syndrome is related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the issue of entitlement to TDIU for the period from November 2019 is moot due to the Veteran's assignment of a combined 100 percent schedular rating and award of SMC. The case must be remanded to clarify the Veteran's employment status prior to November 2016 and after July 2018.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to address the Veteran's contentions regarding his marital status and income, as well as to provide a clear accounting of the overpayment. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for a dental condition and remanded the issue of service connection for residuals of dental surgery for outpatient dental treatment purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to consider a specific medical article in determining whether the Veteran's cause of death was aggravated by his service-connected malaria.