Other conditions decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected ankylosing spondylitis is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the veteran for an orthopedic examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or contributed to by a service-connected disorder. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hip fractures that he claims are secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination, is necessary before the case can be decided.

The Board found that the veteran's left hand disability was not proximately caused by VA care and was not an unforeseeable event. Therefore, compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected post-operative residuals of pilonidal cyst and denied his secondary service connection claims for hypertension and arthritis. The RO continued the evaluation of the veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals, pilonidal cyst as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an extension of his delimiting date for Chapter 30 educational assistance benefits, stating that he did not meet the criteria due to lack of a physical or mental disability preventing him from initiating or completing his chosen program during his period of eligibility.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for Buerger's disease and vasculitis, finding that there was no nicotine dependence acquired during active military service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the merits of this case can be reviewed. This includes obtaining a VA medical opinion and clarifying the appellant's hearing request.

The Board found that the veteran did not exhibit bad faith in his dealings with VA, and thus waived recovery of the overpayment. The issue remains denied as there is no indication of fraud, misrepresentation or bad faith.

The VA has granted a 10 percent disability evaluation for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, which is currently rated as residuals of removal of a Baker's cyst. The evidence shows that the veteran experiences pain and limited range of motion in his left knee.

The Board found that the veteran's Addison's disease was not caused or permanently worsened by VA treatment with prednisone for a skin condition between 1991 and 1995, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran is seeking service connection for arthritis affecting multiple joints. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure compliance with all VCAA notice and assistance requirements, including scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claim, finding no evidence of qualifying service for VA benefits purposes.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected left long finger disability, effective August 26, 2002. This rating is based on interference with overall hand function due to ankylosis at the proximal interphalangeal joint.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for lupus nephritis with joint pain is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's skin disorder in June 1974, finding no clear and unmistakable error. The veteran did not file a notice of disagreement.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and medical records from providers of treatment to the veteran prior to his death. The appellant is also given a year to provide any additional evidence.

The Board found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a myocardial infarction. The appellant's current heart conditions are not related to his military service.