Other conditions decisions — 2006

The VA determined that the veteran's spondylolisthesis L5-S1 did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for more severe disability.

The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date for DIC benefits due to incapacity for self-support prior to age 18, finding that the earliest possible effective date is June 1, 2000.

The veteran is seeking service connection for ataxia, loss of balance, dizziness, and loss of coordination as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus and bilateral high frequency hearing loss. The case is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for more accurate information regarding his income and medical expenses, as well as proper notice under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left eye disorder, including loss of vision, is a result of an injury sustained during service and aggravated by exposure to a chemical agent. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected panic disorder with agoraphobia, effective from January 14, 1999. The disability causes total occupational and nearly total social impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for gout, finding that no new and material evidence had been presented.

The Board found that the veteran's original December 1984 claim for service connection for a nervous condition was denied in April 1985. The veteran did not appeal this decision and his June 1987 request to reopen the claim was also denied due to failure to prosecute. His March 14, 1995 application to reopen led to the award of service connection for schizoaffective disorder with depressed mood effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not have qualifying service and therefore is not eligible for VA benefits.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The veteran's service with the Recognized Guerrilla Forces, regular Philippine Army, and Philippine Scouts is considered. However, this does not meet the criteria for basic eligibility to VA death pension benefits.

The veteran's application for enrollment in VA healthcare services was received after the cut-off deadline, and thus he is not eligible for priority category 8. As a result, his claim has been denied.

The veteran seeks reimbursement for unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from May 10, 2004 to May 19, 2004. The case is being remanded to determine if the services were rendered in a medical emergency and when such emergency ended.

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

The veteran's claim is being remanded to determine his eligibility for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 1606, Title 10, United States Code.

The veteran's right orchiectomy and testicular atrophy are not service-connected under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to lack of fault on VA's part in providing care, treatment, or examination.

The Board found that the veteran's current skin disabilities are not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for varicose veins and pulmonary embolism, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his time in military service.

The Board determined that the veteran's left ear disorder, including otitis media and otitis externa, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection is denied.