Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board remanded the cases to allow further development.

The Veteran's initial rating for diarrhea status/post ileostomy pull-through surgery due to ulcerative colitis is granted at a 60 percent level, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also receives a TDIU rating beginning on July 5, 2019.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is rated at 30 percent since August 17, 2010. The Board denied a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in imaging reports and need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of diagnosed hand disorders and visual disturbances.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cardiovascular disease and liver disability due to inadequate opinions from a VA examiner. The examiner needs to provide new opinions regarding whether in-service exposures caused these conditions, and if they were aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's implantation of cardiac pacemaker due to bradycardia is rated at 10 percent from January 29, 2004, to February 14, 2006, and after April 14, 2006. From February 14, 2006, to April 14, 2006, a 100 percent rating is granted for the implantation of cardiac pacemaker due to bradycardia.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous remand instructions regarding the qualifications of the medical examiner. The Veteran's hematologic disability, including erythrocytosis, is being evaluated for its relationship to in-service chemical exposure, specifically jet fuel and corrosion-protective agents (which include benzene and toluene).

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current dental disability for which service-connected compensation is payable, and therefore denied the claim. The sinus disability claim was remanded due to non-compliance with remand directives.

The Board has granted service connection for Raynaud's disease, finding that the Veteran incurred this condition during her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a muscle disability due to insufficient medical opinions and lack of evidence regarding exposure to environmental hazards. The case will be returned for further development.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient explanation of issues and need for additional evidence. The Veteran's anemia is related to service, but a VA examination is needed to determine its etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between any condition substantially or materially contributing to his death and his period of active service.

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

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's skin conditions, which are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The case is also linked as it pertains to his employment status.