Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected femoral stress fractures of the right and left lower extremities, as well as other related conditions, is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal regarding the validity of an overpayment created due to a retroactive reduction in compensation rate, finding that the creation of the debt was proper based on VA laws and regulations.

The Board has restored a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's loss of vision secondary to laser exposure, effective March 1, 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's 20 percent rating for degenerative joint disease S1-S2 with transitional vertebrae S1 was improperly reduced and must be restored. Additionally, the Veteran’s claims for increased ratings for her bilateral knee disabilities are remanded as new examinations are needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his pilonidal cyst and anal fistula, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since November 21, 2013.

The appellant withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral cataracts have not been productive of incapacitating episodes or impairment of muscle function. The Veteran was granted a separate rating for his service-connected bilateral cataracts from October 1, 2010, and the Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 6, 2020, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's leukemia and her service, including a tibia fracture or environmental exposures. A new VA examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of relevant SSA medical records and for further development.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's bilateral retinal degeneration, which is the maximum available under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroenteritis with fundic gland polyp was denied. The Board found that the current condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the symptoms described, which are characterized as acid reflux and bloating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional dependency compensation for his spouse, finding that no evidence of a marital status change was received within one year of notification of his qualifying disability rating.

The Board found that the overpayment was properly created due to the Veteran's failure to notify VA promptly of his divorce, and denied the appeal.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the Veteran's competency and the removal of his spouse as a fiduciary. The Veteran needs to be scheduled for an examination to determine if he is competent, and then the issue of removing his spouse as a fiduciary will need to be readjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's smoking/tobacco use was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and if so, whether it contributed substantially to his death from pancreatic cancer.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and TDIU related to his service-connected L5-S1 spondylolisthesis with degenerative joint disease and spinal stenosis is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Board dismissed the claim for improved pension benefits on and after January 1, 2012 because it was already decided on the merits.

The Board dismissed the appeal as there is no case or controversy for appellate consideration regarding the overpayment of EAJA attorney fees.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for ulcerative colitis is being remanded due to the need for additional private treatment records from Crestwood Medical Center.