Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has granted an increased apportionment of the Veteran's VA benefits on behalf of his wife, B.S.M., effective October 1, 2015. The decision is based on her demonstrated individual need for the withheld benefits due to financial hardship and significant expenses.

The Veteran's left hip flexion is limited to 10 degrees and his left hip extension is limited to five degrees. The Board granted a 40% evaluation for left hip limitation of flexion and a 10% evaluation for left hip limitation of extension. For the period prior to September 1, 2016, the Veteran's left thigh impairment was evaluated at 20%. From that date onward, an evaluation in excess of 20% is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's personality disorder existed prior to service and if it was aggravated by military service. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome of the left upper extremity is rated at 60 percent, effective March 7, 2016.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for bilateral loss of vision, including as due to hyperopic astigmatism.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for a nasal fracture and duodenal ulcer are being remanded due to the failure of VA examinations scheduled in June 2018. The examinations were not properly notified, and rescheduling is required.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a sinus disorder, as it is unclear whether the Veteran was ever diagnosed with a sinus condition and if so, whether any such condition is related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's right eye injury resulting from VA treatment is being remanded for further evaluation and clarification of the nature, severity, and likely etiology of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's esophageal cancer is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's skin condition and TDIU claim due to inadequate previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's pleural thickening is related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in the VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's right eye disability. The examiner did not provide a clear and detailed rationale for their opinions, particularly on whether the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by service or caused by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's diverticulitis was not incurred in or aggravated by his service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for brain tumor and bilateral breast cancer due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding the etiology of these conditions, as well as verification of any Vietnam service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for neurofibromatosis is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether his pre-existing condition was aggravated during military service.

The Board denied service connection for sleep disturbances and insomnia as they are considered symptoms of the Veteran's already service-connected undifferentiated type schizophrenia with psychosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay evidence regarding his left calf tumor and its onset during service. The Veteran is asked to provide an opinion on whether his left calf tumor had its onset in service or is related to service, including exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to June 14, 2018.

The Veteran's uterine fibroids status post total hysterectomy are rated at 30 percent from June 1, 2010 to December 11, 2012; 100 percent from December 12, 2012 to March 11, 2013; and 50 percent thereafter. SMC based on loss of a creative organ is granted since December 11, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of right index finger disability was withdrawn. The claim for a higher rating for left foot arthritis (previously hallux valgus) from December 10, 2016 to November 3, 2017 is granted at 10 percent. A rating in excess of 10 percent since November 3, 2017 is denied.