Other conditions decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for brain atrophy and dementia as a residual of a head injury due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to her period of service.

The case is being remanded for further development and consideration of the appellant's claim to recognize her as the veteran's surviving spouse, including legal authority and VCAA notice.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration, including obtaining VA and private medical records, notifying the appellant of what evidence is needed to substantiate her claims, and considering all relevant laws and regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed respiratory condition was not present during service and there is no medical evidence showing a causal link to any incident of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for service connection of residuals of a combat injury to the jaw. The case has been remanded due to issues related to CUE in a previous rating decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Dupuytren's contracture of bilateral hands was not incurred in or aggravated by his period of service. The other issues were also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for the residuals of a right foot injury, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of licensing examination fees under the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) was denied because she filed her application more than one year after taking and successfully completing the exam.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's current ear problems and their relation to military service.

The Board found no evidence of an undiagnosed illness related to service in Southwest Asia for shaking hands, muscle twitching, cramps, and intermittent numbness. The appellant's symptoms were attributed to pre-existing conditions or not due to active service.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for her service-connected dysthymia is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hand and left hand disorders, finding that there is no current disability separate from his already service-connected right hand disorder. The left hand disorder was not incurred or aggravated in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's death was caused by her own willful misconduct, specifically voluntary heroin use during active duty. As a result, service connection for the cause of her death is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his low back disability is not related to service. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of her claims.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine is currently rated at 10 percent, effective June 1, 2002. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects her disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for fatigue, finding that his symptoms are due to sleep apnea and not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current eye disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, generalized arthritis, or skin disorder that is causally related to his service. As such, these claims are denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to incomplete records, including SSA disability benefits information and VA treatment records. The RO must obtain these records and determine if a more current examination is needed.