Other conditions decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed stressors and provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that there was no additional disability associated with the veteran's left upper extremity resulting from VA medical treatment, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased initial rating of 10 percent for his service-connected left hip disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's inguinal hernia pre-existed service and was not aggravated therein, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran's surviving child is entitled to a monthly rate of $241.00 for DIC, but the appellant's claim is denied as she is not eligible for a higher rate due to the existence of a recognized surviving spouse.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the cause of the veteran's death, pneumonia, to his service or any recognized exposure basis. As a result, the claim for service connection for cause of death is denied.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits was not made within two years after the permanent burial or cremation of his body, and thus is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for peptic ulcers and a right leg condition, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the former claim and concluding that there is no current disability related to his in-service stress fracture.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The criteria for service connection have also been met, with SLE being found to be incurred in service. Service connection is granted for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

The veteran's appeal is for a higher rating for his service-connected left knee disability, which includes the residuals of surgery performed in August 2002. The RO must obtain all relevant medical records and arrange for an examination to determine the current severity of the disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion on whether the veteran's cause of death was related to exposure to radiation and/or Agent Orange. The appellant also needs to be provided with information about accrued benefits and burial benefits claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral vision disorder and there is no evidence linking any such disability to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral vision disorder is denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his cerebral vascular accident was related to service, and denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, finding insufficient evidence to support the claim and denying it.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, accrued benefits, and nonservice-connected death pension due to lack of legal entitlement.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date of February 20, 2003 for the grant of DIC. The claim was not filed before this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice and need for further examination regarding service connection for endometriosis, which is claimed as secondary to service-connected colposcopy and cryotherapy.

The Board has granted service connection for mesothelioma and assigned a non-compensable rating effective to the date of the claim, September 25, 2002. However, the veteran needs further examination and adequate notice regarding disability ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to the appellant not appearing at a scheduled Travel Board hearing and requests for another hearing have been received.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder due to a lack of credible supporting evidence to corroborate his claimed in-service sexual assault.