Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative joint disease of the left knee, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizo-affective disorder warrants an increased evaluation to 70 percent, effective from the date of her last hospitalization in February 2001.

The Board has determined that the VA Regional Office (RO) needs to provide additional development and notification in order to properly adjudicate the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder.

The veteran is seeking service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition he claims developed during military service. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the veteran for an examination by a specialist to determine the nature and extent of any currently diagnosed SLE, is necessary before deciding his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and opinions from specialists regarding the cause of death.

The Board has decided some issues on appeal and deferred its decision regarding the increased rating for the residuals of abdominal stab wounds pending additional development. The case is now remanded to address the current claim de novo, including consideration of the new scars rating criteria.

The veteran's lung disorder is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a VA examination. The issue of service connection will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral leg disability. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected tonsillitis, status post tonsillectomy, will also be considered.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disorder and dry eye as secondary to PTSD, finding no clear and convincing evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's service or service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that further medical development is necessary to determine the relationship between the veteran's current gastrointestinal complaints and his service, including an in-service suggestion of peptic ulcer disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and respiratory disabilities, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previous claims. The veteran was not treated for these conditions in service.

The Board denied the claim as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen a claim for basic eligibility as a veteran for VA benefits purposes.

The Board has determined that the appellant's beginning date of eligibility for DEA benefits is June 21, 2001. The veteran was granted a permanent and total disability rating effective from April 30, 2002, but the RO subsequently changed this to an earlier effective date of June 21, 2001.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including obtaining clinical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's request to extend her delimiting period for education assistance benefits under chapter 30, finding that there was no medical evidence showing a disability prevented her from initiating or completing an educational program.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of multiple joints (other than the right great toe) to include as a residual manifestation of gouty arthritis, finding that there was no evidence linking the current condition to the veteran's period of service.

The Board is remanding the case for further development and adjudication of issues related to the validity of a debt created due to reduction in benefits, appropriateness of collection methods for overpayment, and entitlement to waiver of recovery of overpayment. The effective date question will also be addressed.

The veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for a left hip disability, and service connection for Guillain-Barre Syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and consideration of new regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a left ankle injury, including traumatic arthritis. However, it denied service connection for reflex sympathetic dystrophy as there is no current diagnosis.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a headache disorder, finding new and material evidence. The claim for a psychiatric disorder is granted as it was first manifested in service. The claim for a headache disorder remains pending.