Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the proceeds of the Veteran's National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) policy should be distributed according to a settlement agreement between the appellant and the Veteran's three children. However, due to potential legal complications, the case is being remanded for the ROIC to make an initial determination regarding the proper disbursement of the proceeds in accordance with the February 2014 settlement agreement.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his right toe disability due to the need for additional supporting evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and the need for an adequate VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to consider the merits.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is remanded for further evaluation, and the TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the increased rating claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with informed consent and potential unforeseen events during the Veteran's November 2009 eye surgery, which may have contributed to his current condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for myelofibrosis is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence, including a September 2019 expert medical opinion and a November 2019 statement from the Veteran. The RO will consider this new evidence in the first instance.

The Veteran's rosea pityriasis has been rated at 60 percent for the entire period on appeal, as it involves more than 40 percent of his total body area during flare-ups.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 10 percent for right foot hallux valgus and extended a temporary total rating for left foot hallux valgus. The issues of service connection for metatarsalgia, bilateral heel spurs, fusion of the bilateral fifth toes, and bilateral hammertoes are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's ulcers are related to his service-connected PTSD and alcohol abuse, but more development is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coccydynia is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep disturbances, including as secondary to his left knee disability, has been granted. The claim for service connection for constipation is remanded.

The Veteran's death was not covered by VA burial benefits as the appellant, who is a funeral director, did not meet the eligibility criteria for receiving these benefits.

The Veteran's left hip arthritis is rated at 10 percent disabling, with limitation of flexion and extension. Bilateral hearing loss is rated at 40 percent effective October 15, 2015. Left lower extremity peripheral artery disease is rated at noncompensable from June 23, 2011 to August 9, 2019, and at 40 percent beginning August 9, 2019.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical evidence and conduct a VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral hand arthritis.