Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of subtotal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, and his service-connected ventral hernia does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for avascular necrosis of the right hip, as secondary to service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ulnar nerve damage is asymptomatic and no longer meets the criteria for a compensable rating. The RO reduced his disability evaluation from 10 percent to noncompensable effective August 31, 1999.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his postoperative residuals of an excision of osteochondroma from the right tibia was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The veteran's death was found to be caused by a service-connected condition, rendering the appellant's claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 moot.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for jaw injuries and surgery on an ingrown toenail, finding no evidence linking current disabilities to in-service events.

The Board denied service connection for TMJ syndrome, finding that the veteran does not have TMJ syndrome attributable to his service in the military.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for service-connected iritis, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of noncompensable during any relevant time period.

The DIC benefits claim under section 1318 is being remanded due to the need to review for CUE in prior rating decisions. The cause of death issue remains pending.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back pain contributed to his development of anxiety and social phobia, thus granting service connection for social phobia as secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, which renders moot the appellant's alternative claim of entitlement to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of her husband's death, stating that his death was due to service-connected heart and lung disabilities which were attributed to tobacco use. As the date of his death is subsequent to the change in law prohibiting such benefits, she is precluded from receiving DIC benefits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for cancer of the larynx, which is now considered secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to radiation treatments for a left hip replacement is being remanded for additional development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to recent legal developments and additional development needed, including obtaining service personnel records, verifying stressors, and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for duodenal ulcer disease has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for stomach problems, finding that there was no evidence to show a link between her current condition and her active military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever is being remanded due to the need for additional development and notification.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post traumatic stress disorder and for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.