Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's current diagnosis of residuals of a compression fracture, L1 and lower thoracic vertebrae, is etiologically related to his in-service low back injury. Service connection for these residuals was therefore granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, which was previously denied in May 1984. The veteran's current condition is characterized as status post retinal detachments with diplopia.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for compensation at the full-dollar rate, finding that the appropriate effective date is October 27, 2000.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development of the record, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The RO denied service connection for cause of death. The case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a personal hearing before a member of the Board of Veterans' Appeals at the local VA Regional Office.

The appellant is recognized as the surviving spouse of the veteran for VA death pension benefits.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for status post bunionectomy and osteotomy, hallux valgus, right great toe is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for defective hearing due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his combat exposure during service.

The Board denied an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the sacrum, finding that there was no objective symptomatology to support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for disability, other than low back disability, manifested by memory disturbance, fatigue, night sweats and sleep disturbance, to include as due to undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service does not meet the threshold eligibility requirements for VA pension benefits due to his periods of service not occurring during a period of war, and thus denied the claim.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a chronic skin condition related to service and therefore, service connection for a skin condition is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral foot corns, calluses, and bunions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and are not proximately due to, or aggravated by, his service-connected hyperkeratosis of the soles of both feet.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of carbon tetrachloride exposure and determined that there is no evidence to support a finding that he currently experiences such residuals. The Board found that his current psychiatric disability, if present, is not related to his in-service exposure to carbon tetrachloride.

The RO denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for varicose veins of the legs, finding that he did not submit new and material evidence.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a bilateral leg disorder and pulmonary embolism. The Board has determined that additional development, including medical examination, is needed before the claims can be decided.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a recognized service-connected psychiatric disorder, such as PTSD, involved in his suicide. The appellant's testimony regarding the cause of the veteran's death was deemed insufficient to establish a connection between the suicide and service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the veteran currently has residuals of a fractured jaw and/or a broken blood vessel, left temple area incurred in service.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is related etiologically to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) during his period of active service, warranting service connection.