Other conditions decisions — 2003

The veteran's claimed undiagnosed Gulf War illness resulting in chronic cough and shortness of breath is granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death, a pulmonary embolus, was not caused by or related to his military service. The Board also determined that any medication he took for a gastrointestinal condition did not contribute to his death.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected right distal tibia fracture was denied by the RO in September 1999, with a rating of 20 percent effective April 20, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hypertensive cardiovascular disease, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the right supratrochanteric bursitis is proximately due to the veteran's service-connected right hip disability, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's improved pension benefits were properly terminated, effective February 1, 1996 to May 1, 1999.

The veteran's service-connected left hallux condition is currently rated at zero percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if there are any changes in severity that warrant an increased rating.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent effective May 2, 2001. The RO found that the condition warranted a higher evaluation based on moderate limitation of motion.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by, or the proximate result of, any service-connected disability and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma of the scalp and face are productive of severe impairment, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a recent court decision, and the RO must ensure all notification and development actions are fully complied with before further action can be taken.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal of his VA indebtedness claim because he did not file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the veteran's fatigue and sleep loss are service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to a recent court decision, and the RO must consider additional evidence developed by the Board and readjudicate the claim on appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's osteomyelitis of the right leg had its onset during service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the initial evaluations assigned for service-connected left hip and maxillary fracture disabilities were proper, with no evidence of more severe disability warranting higher ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a nervous condition, finding that the original claim was filed outside the one-year time frame from separation from active service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a determination of his housebound status or permanent need for assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's fungus of the left foot and toes, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active service.