Other conditions decisions — 2006

The veteran's application for enrollment in VA healthcare was denied because he is a nonservice-connected veteran whose annual income exceeded the means test threshold and his completed application was received after January 17, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Dameron Hospital in Stockton, California from January 22 to January 24, 2004. The decision states that prior authorization was not obtained and that the veteran does not have a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected left Achilles tendon disability, which is currently manifested by moderate limitation of ankle motion.

The veteran's appeal for additional vocational rehabilitation training was denied as he is considered rehabilitated to the point of employability.

The Board found no current diagnosis of hypotension and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for post-operative residuals of a right ovarian cystectomy, finding the disability picture most consistent with the current noncompensable rating.

The Board determined that the appellant's other than honorable discharge from service constitutes a bar to payment of VA benefits.

The veteran's service is not during a recognized period of war, thus he does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits.

The Board finds that the appellant is entitled to recognition as the surviving spouse of the deceased veteran for purposes of entitlement to VA benefits.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting examinations by a rheumatologist and an ophthalmologist to assess the severity of his service-connected ankylosing spondylitis.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for impairment of visual acuity and residuals of a neck injury, but denied them on their merits. The veteran's claim for service connection for impairment of visual acuity is based on direct evidence, while his claim for residuals of a neck injury includes new medical evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left eye injury, finding that there was no evidence linking any current disability to his period of active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional VCAA notice. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected iritis/uveitis remains in appellate status.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the veteran currently has a dissociative disorder and whether it is related to service, including his parachute accident in 1961.

The RO granted a 10 percent rating for left foot hammertoes effective October 24, 2001. Prior to this date, the veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation to determine his need for aid and attendance of another person, which could affect his special monthly pension eligibility.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for duodenal ulcer. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy, and there is no credible supporting evidence to corroborate his reported stressors. His duodenal ulcer was found to be moderate in degree.

The Board found no evidence of a causal link between the veteran's herpes simplex virus and VA treatment, specifically a blood transfusion in conjunction with his surgery. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied.