Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right foot and granted it, finding that new evidence submitted since the final November 1994 decision bears directly on the issue.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus lost jurisdiction over the case.

The Board found that the veteran's duodenal ulcer disease was incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's keloids were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, finding that his knee disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence regarding the veteran's claimed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The case is now remanded for a psychiatric examination and review of available records, including information from the U.S. Armed Services Center for Research of Unit Records.

The Board denied the appellant's claim that his character of discharge from service is not a bar to VA benefits, finding no new and material evidence has been received.

The veteran's current tremor disorder was found to have begun during his active service, warranting service connection. The issue of an increased rating for a low back disorder is pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for corneal dystrophy.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for her status-post resection of a desmoid tumor, with removal of abdominal wall musculature, residuals of a cesarean section was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for spastic paraplegia of the lower extremities, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right rib fractures and right ring finger injuries are not directly service-connected, but have been granted secondary service connection due to his pre-existing disabilities.

The veteran's calluses of the left little toe are found to be service-connected, and he is granted a rating in excess of 30 percent for his cardiovascular disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other procedural requirements. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The VA determined that the appellant did not have service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces and therefore denied his claim for recognition as a veteran.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his residuals of a fractured right tibia and fibula was granted, but the disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of powder burns to the face and eyes, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lung disorders, including pulmonary emphysema and pneumonia, are related to his exposure to ionizing radiation during service. As such, the appeal is granted.

The Board found no evidence of porphyria cutanea tarda during service or within a year after presumed exposure to herbicides. The veteran's current condition is not considered related to his military service, including Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to recognition as the surviving spouse of the veteran for purposes of VA death benefits.