Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings were denied. The right pectoralis tear and scar associated with it are rated at the maximum allowable under current criteria, while esophagitis remains noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for left foot pain, right foot pain, left hip pain, and right hip pain. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported symptoms during active service and their persistence after separation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for narcolepsy and hyperhidrosis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition during any point of the appeal period.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding whether the contractual payment rate for home health services provided by MGHAL from March 2, 2020 to March 31, 2020 was proper. The claim was paid in full in July 2021.

The Veteran's dumping syndrome and gastric ulcer are granted a 40 percent rating, effective from July 12, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for further development, including obtaining a new examination and rating under an appropriate Diagnostic Code.

The Veteran's service-connected dysfunctional uterine bleeding with tubal ligation has resulted in loss of use of a creative organ (infertility) due to the tubal ligation, which was not an elective procedure and advised by her doctors for treatment. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on this.

The Veteran's death was not recognized as a surviving spouse for purposes of DIC and survivor's pension, nor were accrued benefits granted due to the Appellant's late application.

The Board has granted an initial 20 percent rating for lower back strain effective June 25, 2015. The Veteran's symptoms of chronic pain and limited mobility were noted prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the matter is not ripe for appellate review due to pre-decisional errors regarding financial information provided by the Veteran and appellant. The case is being remanded to provide each party with the opportunity to provide additional income and expense information.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for thrombosis, TIA or cerebral infarction and for a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities were denied. The Board found no residuals of stroke that warrant a rating more than the currently assigned initial noncompensable disability rating. The Veteran's hypertension does not impact his ability to work, and the central nervous system disorders do not impact his employability.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability characterized as coccyx (tailbone) fracture and lumbago, but the claims for vertigo and dizziness are remanded due to their association with other service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records, particularly those from the North Carolina Army National Guard. The Veteran's atrial fibrillation is being reviewed again with more complete information.

The Veteran's bilateral lower leg recurrent DVT is rated as noncompensable, but the Board has granted an initial increased rating of 40 percent for both legs.

The appeal for eligibility for the direct payment of fees based on past-due benefits awarded to the Veteran in May 2021 is dismissed because no official fee decision has been issued by the AOJ.

The Board has determined that pension benefits were not properly terminated from April 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016 and have been reinstated. However, the termination of pension benefits on November 1, 2016 was proper.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's skin conditions are directly related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a medical opinion addressing this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for post operative cholelithiasis (gallstones) with chronic cholecystitis and post operative umbilical hernia, both presumed to have originated during active service. Service connection for cholecystectomy scar residuals is also granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) is related to military service, specifically due to toxic exposures from contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. However, the VA opinion provided was inadequate and a remand is required for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's herbicide exposure and his cause of death. The appellant contends that the Veteran's cause of death was caused by herbicide exposure while stationed in Guam.