Other conditions decisions — 2008

The appellant's discharge was dishonorable due to a general court-martial for desertion, which precludes entitlement to VA benefits.

The veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for bilateral pterygiums was denied as the evidence consistently showed 'best corrected' vision of 20/20, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for blood clots and the application to reopen a claim of service connection for brainstem infarct with quadriplegia, dysphagia and dysarthria. The veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran's service-connected back disability, rated at 50 percent, does not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The appellant is found to be competent for VA benefits purposes.

The Board remands the case to afford the appellant an opportunity to submit evidence in support of her claim for recognition as the surviving spouse, including a signed statement and marriage/divorce certificates.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected schizoaffective disorder did not render him permanently bedridden or unable to perform self-care tasks, nor did it cause him to be permanently housebound.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for erythematous scaling papules of the left temple and nose, finding no evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by bilateral swelling of the feet was remanded to provide an examination and obtain his service medical records.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the appellant's claim of entitlement to restoration of death benefits as the veteran's surviving spouse.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by depression, sleep difficulty due to Vietnam nightmares, avoidance, hyperarousal symptoms, and difficulty with personal hygiene. The Board finds that the evidence supports an increased initial evaluation of 30 percent for PTSD.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board remands the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's residuals of a septoplasty.

The Board finds it as likely as not that the veteran's current dental disorder is the result of his service.

The Board remands the veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disorder and a right leg disorder to schedule an additional hearing.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder, finding no evidence of a chronic skin disorder in service or that the current skin symptoms are related to service.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA dental treatment records and scheduling a new VA dental examination.

The veteran withdrew the appeal before a decision was made.

The veteran's arthritis of the right great toe is rated as moderately severe, and a higher rating was not warranted.

The Board found that the veteran's current right great toe disability was not related to his military service and denied service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right great toe.