Other conditions decisions — 2001

The Board has ordered additional development to be completed, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA examination. The veteran's claim for TDIU will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of both knees, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current disability.

The claim is being remanded for additional development, including a complete VA aid and attendance and housebound examination report with attached questions and clarification of the veteran's need for an attendant.

The veteran died from a nonservice-connected cause and did not have any pending claims for service connection or VA benefits at the time of his death. Therefore, he is not eligible for a burial allowance or plot interment allowance.

The Board has determined that additional medical records and development are necessary to properly adjudicate the appellant's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but denied the claims for service connection for a right upper extremity disorder and a respiratory condition due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The decision on the third issue is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral cataracts, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between his in-service injuries and his current condition.

The Board denied service connection for a skin rash and assigned non-compensable ratings to the residuals of wrist fracture, left humerus fracture, and scalp laceration. The veteran's VA disability compensation benefits are subject to withholding due to his receipt of special separation benefit.

The veteran's appeal was denied as he did not have a valid claim for additional education benefits due to his basic 10-year period of eligibility expiring on September 20, 1995.

The veteran's service-connected ulcerative colitis is shown to be manifested by complaints of abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements and joint pain. The Board has assigned a 60 percent rating for the disability based on severe symptoms.

The veteran's request for waiver of recovery of the overpayment at issue was not received within the 180-day period following the date of VA's notice to him, and thus his appeal is denied.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for the service-connected otitis media, left ear, based on symptoms of suppuration.

The appellant is denied recognition as the veteran's surviving child for VA benefits due to her age and lack of eligibility.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's death to his military service or any service-connected disability, thus denying service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral ear disabilities. The veteran's hearing loss and chronic otitis externa diagnoses are now considered in deciding this matter.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of active military service, despite his claims and supporting documents.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury due to lack of medical evidence showing current disability and no link between the reported injury in 1995 and any diagnosed condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death due to hypostatic pneumonia, finding no competent medical evidence linking it to his period of active service.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to failure to report for a VA examination without good cause shown.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for non-service-connected death pension benefits as she did not meet the marriage eligibility requirements due to her short-lived marriage and lack of a child.