Other conditions decisions — 2025

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as the evidence did not show that his service-connected mental health condition barred him from substantially gainful employment.

The appeal concerning entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder strain is dismissed.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased ratings for foot conditions to afford the Veteran a VA examination which addresses all of his right foot diagnoses, including pes planus, hallux valgus, and plantar fasciitis. The Board also remands the claims to assess the severity of the Veteran's bilateral heel spurs without the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board denied the appeal as the February 7, 2025 request for an extension of time to file an appeal was not timely and good cause has not been shown.

The appeal concerning entitlement to payment of the cost of non-VA medical services provided on August 29, 2021, is denied.

The Board remands the claims for clothing allowances in calendar year 2021 for a right knee brace, left knee brace, lidocaine, and Zostrix pain cream due to missing evidence.

The Board denied service connection for hypochromic/microcytic anemia as it was not shown to have been incurred or aggravated during active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The appeal concerning entitlement to payment for non-VA medical services provided in December 2019 has been resolved by administrative action, making the appeal moot.

The Board granted an effective date of August 1, 2014, for the award of service connection for the Veteran's cause of death based on the PACT Act.

The Board denied service connection for nocturia as there is no current disability.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for the Veteran's cause of death was denied.

The appeal for service connection for a left hip disorder, secondary to the service-connected left knee disability, has been withdrawn and dismissed.

The Board denied an increased rating for congestive heart failure, finding that the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to July 6, 2023.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for spondylolisthesis (claimed as retrolisthesis) due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for extraction of wisdom teeth, as it is not a condition recognized by the Rating Schedule for VA disability compensation purposes.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for bilateral hip and thigh strain disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions and a need for additional development of evidence.

The Board granted a 20 percent evaluation for the amputation of the left ring finger, which is the maximum evaluation available.

The Board granted the Veteran's appeal for retroactive induction into a VR&E program, allowing reimbursement of past educational expenses.

The veteran withdrew the appeals for earlier effective dates and TDIU, resulting in their dismissal.

The Board denied service connection for an eye condition and a heart murmur, as well as a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae. The left ankle pain claim was remanded.