Other conditions decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's Raynaud's disease and vascular insufficiency were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's death was determined to be in line of duty during active service, and thus service connection for the cause of his death is granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to clarify the nature and severity of his service-connected duodenal ulcer, as well as to consider any additional evidence he may have submitted.

The veteran's spondylolisthesis of L5-S1 is manifested by severe limitation of motion, warranting a 40 percent rating. The intervertebral disc syndrome does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the revised criteria effective September 26, 2003.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing to address his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to excessive alcohol consumption, which led to pulmonary aspiration and subsequent death. The claim was not granted as it is not considered a result of willful misconduct or substance abuse.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is required to determine whether the veteran's current mental disability is related to his active service. The appeal is REMANDED for further development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied the reopening of the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board found that the veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back, right leg, right hip, left hip, or bilateral foot disability that is causally related to his military service. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for viral encephalitis with seizures, finding no link to service and thus denying the claim.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code, as the commencing date was after the enrollment period.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to November 28, 1997. The case has been remanded due to issues related to the applicability of certain regulations.

The VA has determined that the veteran's postgastrectomy syndrome, status post vagotomy, does not warrant a higher evaluation than the current 40 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's temperomandibular joint disorder, finding that it is related to his service-connected fracture of the mandible.

The Board found that the denial of service connection for a bruised rib cage in December 1956 was not CUE, and denied both the claim for CUE and the request for an earlier effective date.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left forearm is being remanded due to the need for a VA medical examination and for proper development of his PTSD claim.

The Board denied the appellant's request to recognize C.C., F.C., and M.C. as adopted children of the veteran for VA purposes due to the natural parents maintaining custody, which is not in line with U.S. laws regarding adoption.

The veteran's claim for service connection for periodontal disease, including loss of teeth due to trauma during active duty is being remanded for further examination and review.