Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, currently characterized as schizoaffective disorder depressed, was incurred during his active service.

The Board found that the veteran's diagnosed neurocytic neoplasm of the brain was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service and was not due to radiation exposure during active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for a rash on the right hand and shortness of breath, finding no chronic disability manifested by these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran did not have qualifying service for pension benefits and denied the claim.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for angioneurotic edema from the date of claim. The veteran's post-operative appendicitis post-intestinal obstruction is rated at the maximum schedular rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for pleural fibrosis and residuals of histoplasmosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration under revised rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case to schedule a hearing before a traveling Member of the Board, and to notify the veteran of all VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an increased special apportionment of her husband's VA benefits, finding that hardship was not shown and that the veteran reasonably discharged his responsibility for supporting their child.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU benefits is being remanded to the RO for additional development and notification.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for photophobia, finding that there is no current evidence of a disability or underlying disease causing photophobia.

The Board denied a higher rating for the veteran's low back disability, which was previously rated at 40 percent since April 13, 1989, and increased to 60 percent effective December 6, 1994. The claim is being remanded for further development.

The veteran is appealing for a higher initial rating for his service-connected duodenal ulcer. The RO found clear and unmistakable error in the April 7, 1955 rating decision that denied service connection for the condition. The RO assigned an initial 10 percent rating for the condition based on it being aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for basal cell carcinoma, claimed as due to exposure to ionizing radiation. However, the decision on the merits of the reopened claim is not provided.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the appellants' claim for an apportioned share of the veteran's VA benefits as their dependent spouse and child, finding that they were no longer eligible due to the divorce obtained in January 2002.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for schistosomiasis/bilharzia due to new and material evidence, but further development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The veteran's cold injury residuals to both lower extremities are granted. The claims for PTSD, lung disorder, and leg injuries are denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for DIC benefits was received within one year of her spouse's death, and she is entitled to effective date of November 1, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a left foot condition due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 30, 1998 for a 30% rating for his service-connected hallux valgus of the left foot is granted.