Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cold injury residuals of the feet, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic spine disability, including neuritis of T5-6, and obstructive sleep apnea. The right knee claim was also denied as the veteran failed to report for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a right abdominal ventral hernia and denied service connection for a skin disorder of the arms and legs. The claim to reopen a previously denied PTSD was also denied.

The veteran's request for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals has been acknowledged, and he is scheduled for one at the RO. The case is being remanded due to his request for an annual clothing allowance.

The veteran's death was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest with underlying causes of acute tubular necrosis and leukemia. The VA physician concluded that the leukemia, which contributed to his death, was a result of exposure to benzene during service.

The Board has determined that the termination of nonservice-connected death pension benefits for a specific period was proper and denied the appeal.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits based on her deceased spouse's recognized guerrilla service, as such service does not meet the requirements for non-service-connected pension under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as there was no evidence of a causal link between his SLE and any incident of service or finding recorded in the service medical records.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for a respiratory disability, including as a residual of exposure to asbestos, has been dismissed due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection due to a lack of evidence showing an injury or wound to his left leg during recognized service. The veteran attempted to reopen the claim multiple times with new medical records and statements, but the RO determined that this additional evidence was not new and material sufficient to reopen the claim.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently suffer from chronic liver disability and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability of the hands and feet, finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral foot disorder was granted, as he had ganglion cysts in both feet during his military service.

The veteran's current neck disability with pain radiating into left arm is etiologically related to his active duty service, and the Board finds that he has a valid claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for weakness and numbness in the veteran's left arm and leg, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or etiology related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for herpes, finding that he does not have a current disability of herpes and there is no evidence linking his symptoms to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected fracture residuals of the right hand, finding that the current rating of 10 percent is neither more nor less favorable to him.

The Board found that the veteran's fault in creating the loans post-foreclosure deficiency indebtedness was the sole cause, and thus recovery of the debt would not result in undue financial hardship to her.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied an increased rating for right hallux valgus with callus and remanded the issue of a higher rating for right patellofemoral syndrome.