Other conditions decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected left thumb disability was denied by the Board as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's anomalous gastrocnemius muscles and residuals of a fractured fibular sesamoid, maintaining their current 10% ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorders of the feet and hands, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his active duty or exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected shrapnel wound, right buttock area. The Board has remanded the case to allow for further development and a VA examination.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine if the depression noted in service was an early manifestation of the currently diagnosed schizoaffective disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's treatment at a private facility on August 5, 1999 was for an emergency condition related to his service-connected low back disability. As such, the criteria for payment or reimbursement have been met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back problems are not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the veteran's son died, and therefore the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions to determine if the veteran's current wrist/hand dysfunction is related to her service.

The veteran's application for service connection for a dental disorder and eligibility for VA dental treatment was denied as he did not sustain a dental injury or trauma in service, nor does he belong to any class of veterans entitled to VA dental treatment.

The VA has granted a higher initial evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected lower back strain, effective October 28, 1998.

The Board found no evidence of chronic disability related to the claimed conditions and denied service connection for onychomycosis (foot/toenail infection) and otitis externa (ear infection).

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for a skin disorder, including secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The veteran needs to provide additional evidence and undergo VA examination.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a skin condition due to new evidence showing current diagnosis of dermatitis. The claim is now evaluated on its merits.

The VA awarded DIC benefits to the appellant effective November 30, 1999 based on a liberalizing law that added bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma to the list of diseases subject to presumptive service connection for radiation-exposed veterans.

The veteran's request for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to scheduling issues.

The Board determined that the appellant could not be recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of entitlement to VA death benefits due to a separation from N.P. prior to their marriage, and because she was found to have been entitled to gratuitous VA death benefits.

The Board has determined that the RO did not provide proper notice regarding secondary service connection for arthritis and has ordered a remand to address this issue. The veteran's representative requests additional information on what evidence is needed to substantiate his claim, particularly from Dr. Montgomery.

The Board granted the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of a creative organ, effective from September 4, 2001. The veteran had previously undergone a hysterectomy due to her service-connected fibroid tumors and occluded fallopian tubes.

The Board has determined that the case requires additional development to determine if the veteran's death was caused by exposure to herbicides in Vietnam and whether there was negligence or fault on the part of VA in treating him at the VAMC in Nashville, Tennessee.