Other conditions decisions — 2005

The veteran withdrew his appeal, stating he is satisfied with the increased evaluation for thoracic strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a fractured right clavicle are service-connected, resolving doubt in favor of the claimant.

The veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disease and a chronic genitourinary disability were denied. The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was also denied, as was his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's squamous cell carcinoma was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is granted due to his visual impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including residuals of a shrapnel wound to the lower back and traumatic amputation of the fingertips, were not incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran experienced intermittent explosive disorder in service and finds an etiological relationship between the in-service disability and the current condition, granting service connection.

The appellant's claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and death pension benefits were denied because she was not recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse at the time of his death.

The Board denied service connection for chronic residuals of frozen feet and an increased evaluation for left inguinal hernia repair. The veteran's claim for residuals of frozen feet was not supported by evidence linking the disability to his military service, while the left inguinal hernia was found to be asymptomatic.

The veteran died at Baptist St. Anthony's Hospice in May 2003 and was not receiving VA compensation or pension benefits at the time of his death. The claim for non-service-connected burial benefits is denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria.

The Board found that the veteran's quadriplegia was not caused by VA medical treatment and denied his claim.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a hysterectomy and increased ratings for her fibrocystic breast disease and right ovarian cyst. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the cause of the hysterectomy, the current severity of her service-connected conditions, and whether there are scars or other residuals from her surgeries.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of hiatal hernia should be September 23, 1985.

The VA granted service connection for Bell's palsy and assigned a noncompensable disability rating. The veteran appealed, and the RO increased the disability rating to 10 percent.

The Board has granted a 40 percent disability evaluation for the veteran's post-operative C6 avulsive spinous process fracture residuals with C3 arthritis, finding that his cervical spine disability is manifested by severe limitation of motion and deformity.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left tibia fracture was granted, and he is currently rated at 10 percent. The effective date of service connection for the left tibia fracture remains unresolved.

The Board has ordered the RO to reconstruct the claims folder by obtaining missing documents and evidence, including service medical records and personnel files. The case will be reviewed again after this additional development.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected low back disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's claim for revocation of forfeiture of entitlement to VA benefits previously declared against her. As a result, additional development will be required regarding the underlying issue of the revocation of the forfeiture of entitlement to VA benefits.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the nature, extent and etiology of any left lower extremity disability found in the veteran's case. The appeal is remanded for further development.