Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left heel spur is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for trochanteric bursitis and labral tear of the left hip, as well as a low back disability secondary to his left hip condition, are granted. The low back issue is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance was granted in a January 2020 rating decision. The Board dismissed the appeal as there has been a full award of the benefit sought.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, finding that there was no evidence of asbestos exposure during service and that his current condition is more likely due to smoking. The Board also noted that his duties as a seaman were not consistent with significant asbestos exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a cardiovascular disorder and lead poisoning, finding no evidence of these conditions in service or due to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and an insufficient VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right eye disorder is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left eye disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient reasoning in the previous decision regarding whether VA treatment caused additional disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service asbestos exposure and the relationship between his metastatic carcinoma of the lungs and service. The VA will need to obtain additional medical records, including from Dr. Patel, Pinellas Medical Clinic, and Moffitt Cancer Center, as well as the Veteran’s military personnel record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's spinal disability, including neck and back pain, is at least as likely as not related to his service in the Navy. As a result, the claim for service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA examination reports and outstanding medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudophakia and bilateral cataracts, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus, is now pending.

The Veteran's left thigh disability prior to December 17, 2019 was rated at 10 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back/tailbone injury, to include a hip injury, finding that there is no evidence of current disability affecting either hip or symptoms resulting in functional impairment of earning capacity. The Board also found that the diagnosed lumbar spine disorders are less likely than not related to the documented in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for breast cancer, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his active duty in Thailand is presumed and linked to his current condition.

The Board has decided to remand the special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status issue due to conflicting evidence in the record. The Veteran's representative argues that he needs help, but VA treatment records suggest otherwise. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran requires such assistance.

The Veteran's right eye disability, including retinal detachment, cataract, and epiretinal membrane, is related to a grenade training incident in service. The Veteran's residuals of a concussion, diagnosed as vertigo, are also related to the same incident.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the severity and extent of the Veteran's residuals from his cerebrovascular accident, including any additional symptoms such as Gerstmann's Syndrome, left side weakness, and chronic pain. The issues remain unresolved due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for reimbursement of last sickness and burial expenses because she did not provide evidence of what expenses were paid by her.

The Board has denied service connection for schizoaffective disorder, finding that the evidence does not support a link to military service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right foot disability, finding that the maximum schedular rating under DC 5280 is already assigned.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is related to service, specifically exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.