Other conditions decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for education benefits under Chapter 30 for participation in on-the-job training at the Arizona Department of Public Safety prior to April 24, 2002 is denied as VA regulations preclude payment of educational assistance for a program prior to approval of the program.

The veteran's claim for educational assistance under Chapter 30 of Title 38 was denied as he did not meet the basic service eligibility requirements.

The Board found that the veteran's dizziness and imbalance were not caused by his service-connected left ear otitis media, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran requested to withdraw their appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cardiovascular disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on his service-connected gunshot wounds to the left thigh, calf, and elbow. The neurological deficit associated with the left leg was also not rated separately.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for paraganglioma excision, finding that there was no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in service and no evidence linking the condition to herbicide exposure. The preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left eye disabilities are not related to his in-service powder burn, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's periods of active duty, inactive service in the Army Reserves, and subsequent active duty do not constitute one continuous period of active duty. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction of education benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code (the Montgomery GI Bill) to the servicemember rate was proper. The appeal is therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of otitis media or tonsillitis, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant may be recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes, based on continuous cohabitation and shared child-rearing responsibilities.

The Board has vacated the previous denial of service connection for a right inner ear disorder and will render a new decision on this issue.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current cardiovascular disability and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and readjudication due to the need for a VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of any current right inner ear disorder.

The veteran died of cardiovascular disease, but the service-connected enucleation of his right eye did not cause or contribute to his death. Service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death as due to nicotine dependence, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented since the November 1977 RO decision.

The Board has determined that there is no current right hip disorder and thus cannot grant service connection for a right hip disorder, as secondary to the veteran's service-connected degenerative disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right heel fracture does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as his symptoms do not equate to moderate foot injury.

The Board has restored the veteran's 20 percent rating for gouty arthritis and denied any claims for a higher rating prior to January 1, 2003.