Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran did not have basic eligibility for VA non-service-connected death pension benefits due to a lack of qualifying military service. The appeal for accrued benefits was also denied as there were no pending claims at the time of the veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further investigation and consideration of new evidence, including verifying the appellant's military service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death due to unspecified natural causes, finding that no service-connected disability caused or contributed substantially to the veteran's death.

The Board found that the veteran's current diagnosis of sprue is related to his active military service, granting service connection for tropical sprue.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hip disorders, concluding that the veteran's avascular necrosis of the hips was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for Raynaud's disease and residuals of a shrapnel wound to the left thigh were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired skin disorder, specifically basal cell carcinoma of the right shoulder, secondary to Agent Orange exposure, is being remanded due to procedural deficiencies.

The Board found that the veteran does not have residuals of a head injury and denied service connection for this condition.

The veteran's nerve root compression, L5-S1 condition was granted a rating of 40 percent effective November 6, 1996.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection of a urinary tract infection, which he claims was caused by exposure to ionizing radiation during military service. The case must be remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected stress fracture of the right foot, finding that 'moderate' disability in the foot did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for a detailed accounting of the overpayment at issue, including the basis of its calculations and supporting documentation. The veteran is advised that he may submit additional evidence and argument.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his alcohol dependence, which may be related to his death.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's current TMJ pain is a result of an in-service extraction of wisdom teeth, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral varicose veins prior to January 12, 1998 was denied. The effective date for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his persistent pilonidal sinus is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and the need to obtain VA treatment records.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, which is secondary to exposure to herbicides, has been remanded due to the inability to attend a hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic disability manifested by a stiff neck, rash, and muscle cramps claimed as due to undiagnosed illnesses. The veteran's cervical spine disorder was not shown to be related to his period of active service or an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims.