Other conditions decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected postoperative avulsion fracture of the left tibial spine was denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent disability rating effective March 27, 2002, and a separate 10 percent rating for post-traumatic arthritis of the left knee. The veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder secondary to Agent Orange exposure is pending.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a cardiovascular disorder manifested by sinus arrhythmia. The Board has determined that further examination and review of the case are necessary to determine if the condition is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a genitourinary examination to determine if service connection is warranted for chronic prostatitis and whether an initial compensable rating should be assigned for bilateral varicoceles.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right foot numbness and hand tremors are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of medical records and need for a VA examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for a nervous disorder, currently characterized as dementia, secondary to Agent Orange exposure is on appeal.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as she could not be recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes due to her divorce from the veteran and subsequent remarriage.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to properly rate the veteran's service-connected conditions and has therefore remanded the case for further development.

The Board determined that the appellant is not eligible for VA benefits due to a lack of verified active military service with the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Board found that the veteran's left lower extremity disability, manifested by intermittent discomfort and pain with walking, does not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for educational assistance at a full-time rate was denied as she pursued only half-time training during the specified period.

The Board denied the veteran's claim as there is no current disability residual to a gunshot wound injury, and thus service connection cannot be established.

The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected varicose veins of the left lower extremity, finding that the symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for this higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left tympanic membrane perforation, finding no current evidence of such condition and concluding that there were no residuals from a prior perforation.

The Board determined that the appellant lacked basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of recognized active service, and thus denied the appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right leg disorder was not incurred as a result of his military service and that VA medical treatment did not cause an increase in disability. The claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 have both been denied.

The Board denied reimbursement for emergency medical services provided by Life Line Paramedics on April 25, 2001 due to the appellant's failure to file a claim within 90 days of receiving the invoice and his inability to pay the bill.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding the May 1999 denial of her apportionment claim.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for an effective date of March 29, 1979 for DIC benefits as the widow of her first husband, and denied any other issues.