Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for otitis media of the right ear.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastrointestinal disorder and dental issues are not related to his service or any service-connected disability. The claim for increased rating of right foot disability remains on appeal.

The Board has directed further development of the veteran's claim for a separate evaluation for retained shrapnel fragments, claimed as shrapnel in the head. The RO must review the evidence and provide appropriate notice under the VCAA before appellate review can occur.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left varicocele is currently manifested by complaints of discomfort with activity and clinical findings of loss of sensitivity in the left testicle, without findings of persistent edema. Therefore, an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left varicocele was not warranted.

The veteran's active duty service did not meet the requirements for basic eligibility for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30 of Title 38, United States Code. The Board denied his claim as he failed to complete at least three years of continuous active duty or a combination of two years of active duty and four years in the Selected Reserve.

The Board has ordered further development due to incomplete service records. The veteran claims he suffered back, neck, and nose injuries during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder due to an undiagnosed illness, finding no objective indications of such a condition and no evidence meeting the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found no relationship between the veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the throat, head and neck and his military service. The cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a right inguinal hernia is granted as his current condition is found to be related to his periods of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cognitive disorder is related to his military service, specifically exposure to solvents and other neurotoxins. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury, concluding that there was no chronic residual from an acute and transitory injury in service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic respiratory condition in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for ulcerative colitis, finding no competent medical evidence to show a connection between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the lips, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and did not contribute to the veteran's death.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature, time of onset, and etiology of the veteran's umbilical hernia.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new and material evidence, but the claim remains on appeal as it is not reopened or granted.

The veteran's bilateral foot disability, characterized by hallux valgus, hammertoes, and pes cavus, is now rated at the highest possible evaluation of 50 percent from September 18, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left shoulder disorder is consistent with a 60-year-old traumatic injury, and service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury is granted.