Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to incomplete information. The appeal is being remanded for additional evidence and clarification.

The service-connected schizophrenia did not contribute to the veteran's cause of death, as his death was due to sepsis, pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident, and dehydration.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA death benefits as her deceased husband did not have qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and completing necessary documentation. The appellant's claim for service connection for a left lung disorder due to exposure to Agent Orange is pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded this case for further development related to determining the severity and functional limitations of the veteran's service-connected right thumb disability. The veteran is requested to appear for a videoconference hearing, otherwise the Board will proceed as if the request had been withdrawn.

The veteran's claims for service connection for skin conditions of the feet and thighs, as well as a right ulnar nerve disorder are denied. The RO is directed to obtain VA treatment records related to these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice, and further development is required before a decision can be made.

The Board found that the veteran did not have active duty or active duty for training between August and October 1990, when he was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia. The evidence does not show a connection to service, thus denying service connection.

The veteran's post traumatic stress disorder was rated at 50 percent disabling subsequent to January 9, 1999. Prior to that date, the disability was rated at 30 percent.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an opinion regarding whether there was an increase in severity of the nasal septal deformity during service beyond its natural progression.

The veteran's service-connected myofascial pain syndrome has been rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The condition is characterized by episodic widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points that are present more than one-third of the time.

The Board found that the veteran's actions did not constitute bad faith, and thus waived part of his VA loan guaranty indebtedness due to financial hardship.

The Board found that the veteran's onychomycosis of the toes was not manifested in service and is not shown by competent evidence to be related to service or to any incident therein, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the claim of entitlement to an increased evaluation for peptic ulcer disease, currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The VA determined that there are no apparent residuals of the veteran's right hydrocelectomy and right spermatocelectomy, thus denying his claim for an increased evaluation.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an eye disorder and granted it, finding that new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a skin disorder of the hands or thighs and lower legs, nor residuals of bilateral arm injuries, that are associated with service. The claim for PTSD is also denied as there was no credible evidence supporting the claimed inservice stressor.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being sent back to the RO for obtaining records from VA medical facilities and other health care providers that the veteran identifies.