Other conditions decisions — 2005

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a penetrating injury to the right lung from a shell fragment wound, as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6843.

The Board denied service connection for chronic sore throats and pharyngitis, and also denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was manifested by vomiting, indigestion, and pyrosis.

The appellant's spouse had no recognized active military service with the U.S. Armed Forces, and thus the appellant is not eligible for VA benefits.

The appellant's claims for accrued benefits and nonservice-connected death pension benefits were denied as there was no legal basis to support the claims due to the veteran's recognized guerilla service not qualifying for VA benefits.

The veteran is seeking service connection for ulcerative colitis, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion on the etiology of the ulcerative colitis and its relationship to service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected onychomycosis of the hands and feet, effective from November 12, 2002. The condition required systemic therapy for a total duration of six weeks or more but not constantly over the past 12-month period.

The appellant's claim for VA benefits was denied as he did not have qualifying active military service for purposes of VA benefits.

The VA determined that the veteran's facial nerve impairment was not incurred in service and denied his claim.

The appellant does not meet the threshold service eligibility requirements for the receipt of nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and there is no evidence linking his acute myelogenous leukemia to military service or Agent Orange exposure. As such, the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is denied.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for hydroceles (claimed as testicular injury) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and VCAA compliance.

The veteran's spouse is denied eligibility for VA non-service connection death pension benefits and accrued benefits due to the lack of recognized active military service. The claim was filed over one year after the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the appellant is the veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefit purposes, and this decision grants her claim in that regard.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional records.

The Board found no evidence of a gastric ulcer during service or within one year post-service, and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of verified service with recognized guerrilla service or the regular Philippine Army. The appellant's spouse died in December 1987, and there is no evidence of qualifying service.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not have qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, as certified by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), and therefore does not meet the requirements for basic eligibility for VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's dysthymic disorder with hysterical features warrants a rating of no more than 50 percent, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of left and right foot immersion injuries do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent. The evidence does not show tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, hyperhidrosis, or X-ray evidence of abnormalities.