Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for ingrown toenails due to new and material evidence. The claims of service connection for disability of both feet are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's ulnar nerve disability was granted an increased rating of 60 percent from July 31, 2018, forward.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an eye disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current eye disorders to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of death and its relation to service, specifically Agent Orange exposure. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's cause of death was related to his military service, including herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's prior employment as a part-time taxi driver and bus driver did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, as he earned more than the federal poverty level.

The Board has remanded the claims for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's left hip disabilities due to conflicting findings in the previous examination report.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's rectal cancer began during or was aggravated by his period of ACDUTRA from June 2017 to August 2017. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left index finger and long finger disabilities due to the need for further development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for TDIU and SMC due to unclear employment status and a lack of updated VA treatment records. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA treatment records since August 2019 and request the Veteran's Social Security Administration Earnings Record.

The Board denied recognition of A.S. as the Veteran's child for additional dependency compensation due to lack of evidence showing A.S. acquired stepchild status before his 18th birthday, and because he did not meet the criteria for being a dependent child.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of breast cancer, finding that the Veteran's cancer was not due to a late diagnosis or other negligence as claimed by her.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability has been granted effective May 1, 2015. The appeal is dismissed as the benefits have already been granted.

The Board has determined that the VA's remand directives have not been fully complied with, and thus the case is being returned to the RO for further action. Specifically, a new opinion from a clinician with expertise in gastrointestinal disabilities must be obtained, as well as reassessment of the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for hernia, testicular disorder, and prostate nodules as the Veteran does not have these conditions.

The Veteran's disability ratings for Muscle Groups XX, XIII (left and right legs), and XII have been granted at a 40 percent rating prior to March 22, 2023. The higher ratings are denied.