Other conditions decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim of service connection for carcinoma of the neck was denied by the RO, and the Board remanded the case for further development. The Court vacated the decision to deny service connection but did not address the issue of service connection.

The veteran's claim for a TDIU rating based on his service-connected skin condition is being remanded due to additional development and compliance with the VCAA.

The Board found that a chronic schizoaffective disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected angioedema is rated at 10 percent, the lowest possible rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post traumatic stress disorder, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD and concluding that his symptoms were better explained by a major depressive disorder.

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected retinitis of the left eye, as his right eye does not meet the criteria for blindness or loss of use.

The veteran's service-connected fungal infection of the hands and feet is asymptomatic, and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under either the old or new VA Rating Schedule.

The Board has determined that the veteran's macular degenerative blindness is not related to his active military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for fungus of the toes, dry nasal passages, skin rash, headaches, fatigue/low energy/sleep difficulties, joint pain/muscle cramps/twitching/arm numbness, and bowel problems/bladder problems have all been denied.,Service connection was not granted as the claimed conditions are not due to undiagnosed illness or any other qualifying chronic disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran submitted timely appeals for his claims of service connection for joint pain and headaches due to an undiagnosed illness. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board found that the veteran's service medical records do not support a diagnosis of spinal meningitis during his active duty. The claim is denied as there is no evidence linking the veteran's current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for Duke B-2 adenocarcinoma of the rectum with status post left anterior resection with history of radiation, finding that his residuals were no more than moderately disabling.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of right fifth metacarpal and service connection for right hip arthritis were denied as there was no evidence to support the assertions.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for a duodenal ulcer is denied due to the need for a VA examination and his failure without good cause to report for one scheduled in July 2002.

The veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for a subtotal gastrectomy was granted. The new evidence submitted by the veteran, including a statement from RGS, M.D., indicated that the gastrointestinal bleeding necessitating a subtotal gastrectomy was caused by a cortisone injection and high dose of aspirin taken during service.

The VA determined that the veteran did not develop additional disabilities as a result of carelessness, negligence, or error in judgment by VA during his treatment for a left internal carotid artery cavernous sinus fistula and bypass anastomosis.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to additional disability from VA treatment in August 1993 was denied, as there is no medical evidence showing he currently has the conditions alleged. The claim for an initial evaluation of a left ulnar nerve injury also failed.

The veteran's sleep disorder, joint pain, and fatigue are presumed to be due to an undiagnosed illness incurred in service. The skin disorder is not shown to have been present in service or due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board found that the appellant does not have current manifestations of reflux esophagitis or a cardiovascular disability, and thus denied service connection for both conditions.