Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of April 14, 2014, for service connection of vasovagal syncope (claimed as blackout spells) was granted. The decision is subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion from a neurologist to address whether the Veteran's claimed disabilities were caused or aggravated by his service-connected left hip instability, specifically the removal of his femur bone in May 2011.

The Veteran's head injury residuals with cognitive disorder and post-concussive headaches have been rated, but the appeals for increased ratings are denied. A TDIU was granted prior to May 1, 2023.

The Board has granted service connection for dysmenorrhea, finding that the Veteran's condition had its onset in service and continued after separation. The claim for TDIU prior to March 21, 2020, was denied as there is evidence of substantial gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA treatment records and an insufficient July 2020 VA examination opinion. The Veteran's right eye disability is being reviewed for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, which requires that the disability was not caused by the Veteran's willful misconduct and must be proximately caused by VA's fault or unforeseen event.

The Board has dismissed the service connection claims for chest pain, a bilateral eye condition, nausea, and a dental condition (claimed as cavity condition and sore gums).

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an extension of his delimiting period for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30 beyond November 10, 2004 due to lack of timely submission of a request and insufficient evidence showing that he was prevented from initiating or completing a chosen program of education.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and an inadequate medical opinion. The VA will need to obtain missing treatment records, including a full copy of the informed consent form signed by the Veteran, and request an addendum opinion based on all pertinent records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot condition, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a retrospective evaluation of the service-connected right elbow disability prior to March 8, 2022.

The appeal was dismissed because the Veteran withdrew it before a decision could be made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a disability manifested by shortness of breath and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous VA examinations. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his back disability from October 23, 2017 was denied. Separate ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were granted effective November 5, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claim for a left calf disability due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding its relationship to service. The Veteran's reports of ongoing symptoms following active duty are considered, but an additional examination may be necessary.

The Board has found that remand is required for adequate VA examinations to determine the etiology of any diagnosable sternum and right leg conditions, as well as whether these conditions are related to active military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination regarding whether the Veteran's sleep problems/mood swings were caused or aggravated by his active duty service, including exposure to environmental hazards while serving in the Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations, requiring further analysis on whether the Veteran's current hematuria and BPH are related to service.

The Board has remanded the claim for arthritis, to include psoriatic arthritis, due to potential toxic exposure in service. The Veteran is asked to provide additional details of any potential exposures and a TERA memo will be prepared. If found to have participated in a TERA, a TERA examination or addendum opinion will be provided to determine if the arthritis, to include psoriatic arthritis, is related to such exposures.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left bundle branch block and coronary atherosclerosis, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for dysphonia due to laryngeal nerve damage, finding that the Veteran's condition was not proximately caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar fault.