Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board has granted service connection for fainting spells/syncope, finding that the veteran's current episodes are of the same etiology as those documented during service. The decision is based on the veteran's reported history and medical evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of injury to the left index finger.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by service-connected heart disease, but determined that it may have contributed to his death. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of the veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board finds that the appellant's psychotic disorder may be presumed to have been incurred during service due to its initial manifestation within the one-year presumptive period after discharge.

The veteran's cervical spine disability, postoperative HNP at C5-C6 and C6-C7 with fusion of C5-C7, is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation (60%) effective from May 9, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment due to a lack of service-connected disability, as required by the applicable regulations.

The Board found that the cause of death, sepsis due to incarcerated and gangrenous hernia, was not service-connected. The veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board found no evidence of a current sinus condition related to service, denied the claim for increased evaluation for amputation of the right ring finger, and denied the claim for an increased evaluation for psychophysiological gastrointestinal reaction.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease as secondary to trench feet, finding that there was no causal link between the two conditions.

The Board found no evidence of an acquired eye disorder due to service and denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of frozen feet, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected post-operative residuals of a right inguinal hernia, finding that the veteran's symptoms were minimal and did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The VA has granted a 10 percent evaluation for residuals of a right inguinal herniorrhaphy since May 9, 1997.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of death, DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.

The Board found that the overpayment of apportionment benefits in the calculated amount of $900 was properly created, based on the evidence provided by the veteran and the information from the VA Debt Management Center.

The Board denied service connection for both a left foot disorder and a foot disorder manifested by fallen arches, finding that the veteran's pre-existing conditions did not worsen during service or were not incurred in service.

The Board granted service connection for a right hip donor scar site and assigned a 10 percent evaluation, effective from February 1999. The veteran's claim for an increased rating was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for thrombophlebitis of the left and right legs, as well as his claim for service connection for multiple myocardial infarctions. The decision also noted that a separate TDIU claim would be addressed in a later decision.