Other conditions decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his left elbow disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed bilateral foot disorder. The issues of service connection for PTSD and an earlier effective date for the PTSD rating are also being remanded.

The Board found that the veteran's TMJ disorder was increased to a 20 percent rating effective January 13, 1995. The claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for ulcerative colitis is not well grounded because there is no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Board found that the veteran's Legg-Perthes disease of the left hip was aggravated by service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's post-operative residuals of a right foot shell fragment wound did not meet the criteria for an increased rating, as they were not manifested by complaints or evidence of muscle or nerve damage related to this injury.

The Board has dismissed the case as it does not have original jurisdiction to decide the issue of attorney fees under direct-payment contingency-fee agreements.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim of service connection for PTSD is well-grounded and VA has not satisfied its duty to assist in developing facts pertinent to this claim. The case will be remanded for further development, including a comprehensive psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GBS is not currently active and does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is found to have caused his fall from a ladder, resulting in injuries to his back and left arm. Service connection for these residuals is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right hip disorder, including avascular necrosis of the right hip, is not related to his period of active service.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred at Desert Hospital on December 13, 1997 was denied because the treatment was not deemed emergent and no VA or other Federal facilities were feasibly available.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of multiple joints, finding that there was no competent evidence linking current disability to service.

The Board found no evidence of a current skin disability related to service or Agent Orange exposure, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for compensation for service-connected extracted tooth number 19 is denied as the condition is not compensable under VA regulations.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of arthritis, but denied both increased evaluations for gastrointestinal and psychiatric disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash and multiple cysts, as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence submitted was not considered new and material.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for increased special monthly compensation and the CUE claim.