Other conditions decisions — 2003

The VA determined that the veteran's right elbow disability and associated scar do not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent evaluations.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death, and thus no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the claim.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thoracic spine disability are being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with proper VCAA notice.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a disability manifested by calcium depletion and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current ingrown toenail disorder related to service and denied his claims for increased evaluation of right hand disability. The veteran's previous treatment for ingrown toenails during service resolved without chronic complications, and there is no evidence linking left foot ingrown toenails to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5, to include as secondary to his service-connected bilateral trench feet. The VA doctor who examined the veteran in February 2003 found it to be at least as likely as not that a causal relationship exists between the veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5 and his service-connected bilateral trench feet.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disability, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and atrial fibrillation, was incurred during his active duty service.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and is remanding the case back to the RO for additional consideration.

The veteran's chest pain is being remanded for further evaluation and possible VA examination to determine its etiology.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease due to tobacco use in service is denied as it is barred by law.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including obtaining additional medical records and notifying the veteran of his rights under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The claim for a compensable rating for service-connected skin disorder associated with herbicide exposure is pending.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded back to the RO for a VA examination by an oncologist to determine the date of onset and etiology of the veteran's left breast cancer.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for each of the veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities, finding that they more nearly approximate moderately severe impairment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy and resolved prostatitis, which he claims is due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU benefits, finding no evidence of prior informal or formal claims within one year before September 20, 2000.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and the court's decision invalidating certain regulations. The case is now remanded for additional examination and consideration.

The veteran's unauthorized private outpatient surgery for actinic keratosis in May 2001 was denied reimbursement because the VA determined that waiting and traveling to a VA appointment would not have been hazardous to his health, and other feasible options were available.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a collarbone deformity, status post fracture and a right arm disability.

The veteran's former spouse is granted an apportionment of $103 per month from the date her divorce from the veteran was finalized until April 5, 2002.