Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's aortic insufficiency, bacterial endocarditis, bovine aortic valve replacement, and possible transient congestive heart failure are not considered to be due to VA treatment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including Crohn’s disease and/or inflammatory bowel disease. The decision finds that there is at least an equipoise of evidence to support the Veteran's claim, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's claim for retroactive disability compensation due to receipt of retirement pay (TDRL) is dismissed without prejudice as the allegations are not specific enough.

The Board has remanded the claim due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's current symptoms and reliance on a 2018 VA examination that did not adequately address his complaints.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left inguinal hernia, other than post-surgical scarring. The Veteran underwent surgery in December 1988 and has not experienced any residual conditions since then.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lower extremity circulatory problems, including as secondary to his service-connected high blood pressure. The VA examiner found that the varicose veins are not caused by or a result of his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's bilateral heel disabilities were denied for initial ratings in excess of the currently assigned 10% and 20% ratings prior to October 30, 2019 and since that date respectively.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for the Veteran's amputation of the right index finger with ankylosis of the long, ring, and little fingers. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Board denied benefits for spina bifida because the Veteran's father did not serve in Vietnam, and there was no evidence of qualifying service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to VA disability compensation reductions and overpayments due to concurrent receipt of active pay, retirement pay, and separation incentive pay. The main issues are the validity of debt from removal of a dependent spouse, concurrent receipt of active pay and/or retirement pay, and overpayment recovery for FY 2008 and FY 2009 drill pay reductions. An audit is required to determine the correct amounts and reasons for these actions.

The appeal has been dismissed because the appellant, who is the Veteran's surviving spouse, died during the pendency of the appeal.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a burn to the hands has been reopened and granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a burn to the head was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran served in Vietnam with boots on the ground and within Blue Water offshore of Vietnam, which could affect his eligibility for presumptive service connection for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The Veteran's patellofemoral arthritis and associated knee instability have been evaluated based on the severity of their symptoms, resulting in staged ratings for different periods. The appeal has resulted in multiple remands due to issues with the evaluation criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal regarding the recoupment of his disability severance pay, finding that withholding the amount was required by law and proper.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for ulcerative colitis due to inadequate examination and failure to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to procedural issues and for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative changes to his thoracic spine is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran passed away during the appeal, making it impossible to decide on the merits of his claims.