Other conditions decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that there is no competent or credible evidence demonstrating a link between the veteran's current skin disorder and right toe disorder and his military service, including exposure to tear gas. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a nose injury do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and thus denied an increased rating.

The veteran's service-connected discoid lupus erythematosus and associated shoulder arthralgia were found to not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected tendonitis of the right shoulder does not warrant a compensable initial disability rating due to lack of limitation in range of motion.

The Board found that the veteran's lymphoma is not service-connected due to lack of exposure to ionizing radiation during his military service.

The Board found that the appellant knowingly provided fraudulent evidence in her claim for and receipt of VA death pension benefits, leading to a forfeiture of all rights under these laws.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injuries to the right foot, left hand, left foot, and right testicle. The attorney is not entitled to payment of fees based on this decision.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the veteran's pre-existing salivary gland tumor was aggravated by service in 1999, and whether any of his current conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, claimed as secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation, is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

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

The VA denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected dendritic keratitis of the right eye, with ptosis. The primary cause of his vision loss is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which was not related to the service-connected condition.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for a dislocated right ring finger and a right foot disorder, but denied both on the merits.,Service connection was granted for the dislocated right ring finger as it is directly related to service. However, service connection was not granted for the right foot disorder due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board found that the veteran's current arthritis of the back is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right eye disability is a result of his in-service shell fragment wound, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's failure to promptly notify the RO of his daughter's DEA election led to an overpayment, but also noted a delay on the part of VA in correcting this issue. The Committee on Waivers and Compromises granted a partial waiver for $2,156, leaving a remaining debt of $2,196.20.

The veteran's purchase of a van in 2002 is not considered an allowable medical expense for VA pension purposes.

The veteran's low back condition, which has been rated at 40 percent since April 17, 2003, is not found to warrant a higher evaluation due to the lack of incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing at the RO and further development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice regarding an earlier effective date.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and found that there is sufficient new and material evidence to support this claim. The veteran's in-service stressors have been verified, and his PTSD was incurred during active military service.