Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, finding that there was no evidence linking the cancer to his active service or presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a personality disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, cyclothymic disorder, and insomnia. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's squamous cell carinomas and precancerous actinic keratoses of the skin are related to his military service, specifically due to extended sun exposure during his time in tropical regions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for discoid lupus erythematosus is granted, as there is sufficient evidence to establish chronicity of symptoms since discharge from active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the head, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left eye injury, finding that the veteran's average concentric contraction is better than 45 degrees and thus warranting only a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance, finding that he does not meet the criteria due to his ability to manage personal care functions without assistance.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for uterine fibroids with metrorrhagia since July 21, 1993.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a Travel Board hearing, and the veteran's failure to respond to the representation form. The matter will be returned to the RO for further development.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability manifested by the claimed symptoms. The Board found that his complaints did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed stressors and a need for further development of his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected low back disability is denied as the current rating of 20 percent adequately reflects the severity of her condition.

The veteran's initial claims for increased ratings for bilateral Achilles tendonitis and residuals of burns to the left arm were granted, with a 10 percent evaluation assigned for each condition. The rating for right Achilles tendonitis was also granted effective March 17, 2003.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen his claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's HIV-related illness is a result of disease or injury incurred during his active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the impact of service-connected disabilities on the veteran's death. The appellant must provide additional medical records and a VA physician's opinion.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen his eligibility for VA benefits due to lack of new and material evidence, as all submitted evidence was cumulative or redundant.

The Board has determined that the amount of nonservice-connected VA death pension awarded to the appellant is unclear and requests a full audit to determine her entitlement for the period from October 1, 2000 to July 1, 2002. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left knee injury is reopened, but the evidence does not support an increase in severity during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his residuals of eye trauma, identified as defective vision. The evidence showed that the loss of vision in his right eye was due to a central artery occlusion occurring in September 1998 and not related to his service-connected eye trauma.