Other conditions decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disorder and right toe disorder did not occur during service or are otherwise related to military service, leading to a denial of his claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by treatment provided at VA Medical Centers from 1980 to 1994, and therefore, dependency and indemnity compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for avascular necrosis of the right hip as secondary to ankylosing spondylitis with fusion of the spine and traumatic arthritis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for avascular necrosis of both hips. The veteran's current avascular necrosis is not likely related to his active service, including a fall during service.

The veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to procedural and evidentiary concerns. The case will be returned to the RO for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran is seeking service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil, claiming it is related to exposure to herbicides during his military service. The case has been remanded due to a need for further review by the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent, and therefore denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizoaffective disorder was not incurred in, aggravated by, or related to active military service, nor is it proximately due to or the result of his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining service medical records.

The veteran is seeking an extension of the delimiting date for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code. The case has been remanded due to improper notification and need for additional evidence regarding his claim.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic pancreatitis is more likely due to alcohol abuse than to other causes or an unknown cause, and it is not related to stomach cramps experienced in service.

The Board has determined that the appellant is recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of eligibility for VA benefits, given credible evidence of a common law marriage.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected retropatellar pain syndrome, left and right knees, do not warrant an increased rating as there is no evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability to support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA benefits as her spouse did not have the requisite military service to establish basic eligibility.

The Board denied an increased rating for impairment of the right femur due to fracture, currently rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development and review of an independent medical expert's opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's death was caused by negligence or fault on the part of VA.

The veteran's claim for increased evaluations of his lower extremities was granted, and he is now receiving a total schedular evaluation for loss of use of both feet. The issue regarding an earlier effective date for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA ophthalmologic exam and scheduling the veteran for a VA right knee disability examination. The issues of service connection for a right eye disability (including pinguecula) and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right knee disability are also being addressed.