Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Veteran's spinal disability is rated at 100 percent from April 8, 2013. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating based on unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful sedentary occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and the evaluation of residuals of left 5th metatarsal fracture.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA medical opinion, and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for right peroneal nerve neuritis, status-post tarsal tunnel release; right external (popliteal) nerve; right musculocutaneous (superficial peroneal) nerve; and right anterior tibial (deep peroneal) nerve due to the need for further development. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of the Veteran's right foot has also been remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral eye condition, including dry eye syndrome and pinguecula, as well as for diverticulitis. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported symptoms during service and continued presence of these conditions post-service.

The Board has granted compensation under Section 1151 for stomach cancer, finding that VA's failure to diagnose and treat the condition in a timely manner resulted in additional disability or death.

The appeal for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's right hip strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.

The Veteran's squamous cell cancer, basal cell cancer, and colon cancer are granted service connection due to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation. Prostate cancer and vascular dementia are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition manifested on the scalp with unusual hair loss pattern and basal cell carcinoma, to include as due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by service.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for obesity as it is not a disability subject to VA compensation benefits.

Service connection for a liver disability, diagnosed as simple liver cysts and fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis), is granted. The Veteran's right ureteral calculus and TDIU prior to February 19, 2018, are remanded.

The Veteran's eye disability, including macular degeneration and age-related nuclear cataracts, has been rated based on visual acuity impairment. The rating for the disability was denied prior to February 27, 2023, granted at 30 percent from that date until August 28, 2023, and then denied again thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional records regarding his discharge from service and potential entitlement to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% level.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's death was not due to any service-connected condition, and he did not meet the criteria for burial benefits as per VA regulations.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal regarding the reduction in VA disability compensation for recouping drill pay days during FY2020. The Board dismissed the appeal as withdrawn.

The appeal for establishing the appellant as the Veteran's surviving spouse and entitlement to VA death benefits was dismissed due to lack of response within 60 days after the Board requested clarification on a review option.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claim for a left hip disorder due to an error in not obtaining a VA examination prior to the decision. The Veteran's lay statements about his symptoms are considered, and he is scheduled for new examinations to determine if his left hip disorder is related to his military service.