Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board denied the claim for an increased rating for varicose veins of the right leg and also denied service connection for venous insufficiency in the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have a venereal disease and that his erectile dysfunction did not originate in service or is otherwise causally related to his military service.

The veteran's application for enrollment in the VA healthcare system was denied due to his placement in Priority Group 8, which is reserved for veterans who are not eligible based on income or other criteria. The veteran had no service-connected disabilities and did not meet any of the eligibility categories.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran meets eligibility requirements for educational assistance under Chapter 30, Title 38 United States Code due to his involuntary discharge.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected spastic colon disability warrants a rating of 30 percent, which is the highest available under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with VA examinations.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected pressure urticaria was denied by the Board. The disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from December 4, 2000.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of thoracic outlet syndrome did not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent assigned.

The Board granted an increased evaluation to 30 percent for the veteran's pressure urticaria, effective August 30, 2002.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for chronic lung disease, claimed as a residual of exposure to mustard gas. The veteran's post-service medical records showed evidence of chronic obstructive lung disease, but there was no credible evidence linking this condition to his active service or to mustard gas exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bronchiectasis warrants a 60 percent rating, reflecting more severe symptoms including incapacitating episodes of infection.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for sick sinus syndrome, finding that it did not occur during active service and is unrelated to service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's prostatitis with left epididymitis and back pain, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and carcinoma of the mouth, as well as reopening claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), a chronic back disorder, a chronic headache disorder, and chloracne. The veteran was not granted any new or additional benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for residuals of burn injury to the left hand, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The VA determined that the veteran's residuals of a shell fragment wound to the neck do not warrant an increased evaluation as they do not result in objective clinical findings relating to scars or limitation of motion.

The Board found no evidence of fraud, bad faith, or misrepresentation in the creation of the overpayment and granted a waiver of $10,000. The remaining debt was not waived due to the appellant's actions constituting bad faith.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his nicotine dependence in service caused or contributed to his fatal cardiovascular disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for recurring pulmonary emboli, finding that there was no evidence of asbestosis or a relationship between his service and the condition.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating for intervertebral disc syndrome is being remanded due to the need for compliance with VCAA and consideration of new regulatory changes.