Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's mood disorder is manifested by a flattened affect, disturbances of motivation and mood, unpredictable and disinhibited anger and rage, anhedonia, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, and a Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score of 50 indicating serious social and occupational impairment. The Board finds that the veteran's mood disorder most nearly approximates the criteria for a 50 percent rating under Code 9435.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of antinucleation of bilateral testicular dermoid/epidermoid cysts and bilateral orchioplexy with chronic testicular pain. The RO has requested additional medical evidence and will conduct a VA examination to assess the current state of the veteran's condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling an RO hearing and a VA examination to assess the veteran's left eye blindness and vascular disability claims. The new issue of service connection for vascular disability is also being addressed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any current discoid lupus erythematosus. The veteran will be afforded a VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not have qualifying service for VA pension benefits, and therefore the appellant is ineligible for VA death pension benefits.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration of updated treatment records and revised rating criteria.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's service connected compensation due to incarceration was proper for the period from July 12, 2000 to August 8, 2000. However, it determined that the reduction should not have been applied to the period from August 9, 2000 to December 1, 2000.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected laceration of the left arm is granted, as it is secondary to PTSD.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury and residuals of a neck injury, but remanded the case due to additional development needed. The claim for hypertension remains pending.

The veteran's death was caused by colon cancer, which occurred after his military service. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is being remanded to allow consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that continued payment of special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is denied as there was no prior award of such benefits.

The Board found that the veteran did not file a claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 within one year of undergoing prostate surgery, and thus denied an earlier effective date.

The appeal is being remanded for further development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claims for service connection for sexual dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ will be reconsidered.

The veteran's death was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest, hypoxic encephalopathy, and acute myocardial infarction. These conditions are not service-connected as there is no evidence of their occurrence during or within one year after his verified service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for prostatitis and a higher rating for fungal infection of the penis were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the veteran's claim for service connection due to exposure to herbicides, and his current prostate disorder is not related to his active duty service.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a fractured right foot, finding no current evidence of such condition and concluding that any fracture incurred in service did not result in current residuals.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's right median nerve dysfunction and right forearm neuroma are proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected post-operative residuals of the right shoulder with impingement syndrome, acromioclavicular separation, and arthritis.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the appellant's request for an increased monthly apportionment of the veteran's VA compensation benefits in excess of $55.50 each on behalf of the two minor children of the veteran in her custody.