Other conditions decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for loss of a sense of smell and an increased evaluation for his left elbow disability. The decision stated that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service, and thus the claims were not well-grounded.

The veteran withdrew his appeal on the issues of whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen his claim for a gastrointestinal disorder, and entitlement to an increased evaluation for urticaria with angioedema.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital from April 13, through April 18, 1997 is denied because the evidence does not meet the criteria for such reimbursement.

The veteran's son has been diagnosed with spina bifida occulta, but the claim is denied as there is no evidence of a compensable condition for which benefits can be awarded under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1805.

The Board has determined that the veteran's travel to his training facility constitutes intraregional travel and thus, travel pay may be authorized for initial travel to report to the chosen school for the purpose of starting training, return from school to home where services are not available for a period of 30 days (including summer vacation periods), and return to the training facility from home when payment was made for returning home.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for colon cancer due to herbicide exposure and for cause of death. The appellant was not provided with a copy of the autopsy report, which is necessary to determine the cause of death.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims of service connection for a right eye disability, muscle spasms of the legs and arms, psychophysiological reaction with faintness and weakness, and partial paralysis. The veteran's current condition is believed to be related to an injury sustained during military service.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral retinal degeneration of the left eye, finding that it was incurred during military service.

The Board has ordered further development due to incomplete financial status reports and the appellant's deteriorated health. The case is being remanded for a new examination to determine if the appellant needs aid and attendance or is housebound.

The Board found the veteran's claim for service connection for a somatic disorder as secondary to his service-connected disabilities not well grounded. The appeal is denied.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's cause of death, multiple myeloma, is due to service and thus grants service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for right lower quadrant pain, including as due to a cesarean section and bilateral tubal ligation, is not well grounded. The evidence does not support a current disability.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a dental condition was not well-grounded and denied it.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for duodenal ulcer and special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or as a result of housebound status are denied.

The Board found that the appellant's current diagnosis of degenerative joint disease of the left hip is related to his service-connected residuals, fracture, right ankle with degenerative arthritis and thus granted service connection for these conditions as secondary to the service-connected condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the surviving spouse of her deceased husband, finding that she was not legally married to him at the time of his death.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for a right foot disability due to lack of new and material evidence, despite the veteran's assertions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's mitral valve disability was incurred during active duty and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for impotence secondary to his service-connected epididymectomy due to blastomycosis, finding no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to his in-service treatment.

The veteran's appeal is denied as the VA does not have to authorize payment for a set of golf clubs, which were elective and not required by her rehabilitation program.