Other conditions decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and entitlement to dependents' educational assistance benefits under Chapter 35 of Title 38 due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking the cause of death or any other condition to service, including alleged Agent Orange exposure.

The VA denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking the fatal condition to service.

The veteran's post traumatic stress disorder has resulted in considerable impairment in his ability to maintain and sustain effective or favorable social relationships, warranting a 50 percent initial rating under the old rating criteria. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher 70 percent rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, for periods of enrollment prior to May 31, 1994. The decision states that no educational assistance can be paid for any period prior to May 31, 1994.

The veteran's service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is manifested by markedly disfiguring scars from excised lesions on his face, neck, and back. However, there is no evidence of marked discoloration or color contrast associated with these scars, which prevents a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for nicotine dependence is denied as his claim is not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic vascular disease, claimed as a residual of cold exposure during active duty, is not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a link between the veteran's current condition and his alleged in-service exposure to cold or any continuity of lower extremity symptomatology after discharge.

The Board has determined that a rating in excess of 30 percent for fungus infection of the feet is not warranted prior to July 6, 1995. For the period from July 6, 1995 onwards, no higher rating can be assigned due to lack of evidence of ulceration or systemic manifestations.

The veteran's application for dependents' educational assistance benefits was denied due to the effective date of August 27, 1995. The RO is instructed to review the case under revised criteria and obtain all necessary documents before reconsidering the claim.

The veteran's death was not caused by VA medical treatment, and there is no evidence that the treatment contributed to his death. The cause of death was a vascular event resulting in small bowel necrosis.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the presence of other psychiatric disorders and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's postoperative residuals of a total hysterectomy are service-connected, as her pelvic adhesive disease first manifested during active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lipomas are related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a stomach disorder including ulcer disease and granted service connection based on direct evidence of such condition during active duty. The veteran's hemorrhoids are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a lack of evidence showing the condition was present during or within one year after service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus does not warrant a 60 percent evaluation, as there is no objective medical evidence showing persistent symptoms of intervertebral disc syndrome compatible with sciatic neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bad conduct discharge from service was under dishonorable conditions, which constitutes a bar to VA benefits including health care and related benefits authorized under Chapter 17 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of compression fractures of C7 and T5, finding that a 10 percent rating was appropriate based on slight limitation of motion in the cervical spine.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and employment information.

The Board determined that the veteran's claim has been abandoned due to his failure to cooperate with VA examinations and provide requested evidence, resulting in termination of pension benefits.