Other conditions decisions — 2001

The Board denied a claim that the premium paid by the surviving spouse for burial insurance should have been excluded from her monthly rate of improved death pension, as such premiums are not deductible medical expenses.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to a lack of medical evidence linking myofasciitis to VA medication management.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a right hand disorder, claimed as residuals of a right hand injury. The claim is now reopened.

The veteran's claim for service connection for chest pain, sore muscles and fatigue as due to an undiagnosed illness is being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability of the right breast as a result of treatment by the Department of Veterans Affairs is being remanded due to the need for clarification from her treating physician regarding her testimony.

The veteran's entitlement to VA educational assistance benefits under the Chapter 30 program has been limited to 13 months and 8 days due to his prior use of Chapter 34 benefits. The Board found that this limitation was proper based on the law.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including Agent Orange exposure residuals, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and verification of his alleged exposure.

The veteran's deep venous thrombosis of the right leg was initially rated at 10 percent effective March 31, 1993 and increased to 30 percent effective August 31, 1992.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he does not meet the criteria for needing such benefits due to his visual acuity issues, which do not qualify him as blind or requiring assistance in daily activities.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to carcinoid syndrome, finding that it was not related to service or exposure to herbicides. The cancer spread to the liver but did not originate there.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's urethral stricture and burn residuals, finding that his pre-existing conditions did not worsen during service.

The Board has denied service connection for urethral stricture and burn residuals, finding no new and material evidence. The claims of PTSD, nasal septal deviation, and secondary lupus erythematosus with cicatrix have been reopened but not granted.

The Board found that the veteran's sickle cell disease existed prior to his entry into active service and was not aggravated by military service, thus denying service connection.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their Substantive Appeal.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his residuals of a fracture of L-1 vertebra, currently rated at 20 percent.

The veteran is granted compensation for a non-healing wound from the retained sponge, but denied compensation for digestive tract disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's compensation benefits were properly apportioned to his estranged spouse for the period from November 1, 1998, to March [redacted], 1999.

The Board's decision granted an increased rating to 20 percent for duodenal ulcers, but the order incorrectly stated that entitlement was denied. The error has been corrected and does not affect the outcome.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not warrant such a rating prior to January 6, 2000.