Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability, including quadriplegia and C7 burst fracture residuals, is related to an in-service tractor accident. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia, characterized by persistent recurrent epigastric distress and regurgitation, is granted a rating of 10 percent prior to December 20, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for adjustment disorder with chronic depressed mood has been denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating, which would be required to grant such a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating of 40 percent for Reynaud's syndrome is granted, effective from December 22, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for abdominal cancer, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to ionizing radiation during service and noting that the Veteran did not meet criteria as a radiation-exposed veteran. The Board also found that the current diagnosis of abdominal cancer is not related to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including basal cell carcinoma, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic skin disorder in service or within one year following discharge. The Board also found no competent and credible evidence linking the current skin condition to service.

The Board has granted service connection for Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's CMML was related to his active-duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for stable pin fixation of the right little finger status post proximal phalanx fracture was denied. The VA found that the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis or other functional impairment.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for service-connected atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, effective January 18, 2014. The evidence shows that the Veteran's heart disability causes significant functional impairment with exertion.

The Veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment of Post-9/12 GI Bill educational assistance benefits was denied because it was not submitted within the required 180-day period after notification of the debt.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot fungus infection had its onset during his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hidradenitis suppurativa is currently rated at 30 percent, effective June 23, 2014.,Effective June 23, 2014, the Veteran was granted a separate 20 percent rating for hidradenitis suppurativa under DC 7599-7819.

The Board denied service connection for a pharyngeal disability, laryngeal disability, and sinus disability as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions during or proximate to the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the arms and back has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA addendum opinion reviewing the claims file during earlier periods on appeal.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right thumb condition, which may be related to an in-service injury during a fight with a fellow serviceman.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a lack of clarity regarding the nature of the Veteran's low testosterone. The matter is being returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right thumb fracture is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a new examination. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the right thumb disability claim.

The appeal for service connection and DIC has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.