Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of a current sinus disorder and concludes that it is less likely than not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused or contributed to by any service-connected disability, including his presumed Agent Orange exposure and diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for sinus arrhythmia, finding that the veteran's attacks were infrequent and not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current jaw complaints are related to his in-service fracture, and service connection is granted for this disability.

The veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance and/or housebound status has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including notifying the veteran of what specific evidence would be required to substantiate his claim for service connection for bilateral foot disabilities.

The veteran's initial disability rating for his service-connected panic disorder with agoraphobia was granted at a 10 percent level, effective from February 9, 2004. The veteran requested a higher initial rating of at least 50 percent.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection due to his schizoid personality disorder, as this is not considered a compensable disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected recurrent right spontaneous pneumothorax, status post right thoracotomy with resection of pleural blebs and pleural ablation with mild obstructive pulmonary disease is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional medical records.

The Board found that the appellant was not the surviving spouse of the veteran for purposes of VA benefits due to a valid divorce decree and lack of evidence supporting her claim.

The veteran is seeking service connection for dry eye syndrome. The Board has determined that additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of the issue, is necessary due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran timely perfected his appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for mood disorder.

The case is being remanded due to incomplete records and inadequate VCAA notice.

The veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) benefit payments are considered countable income for VA pension purposes, and the appeal is denied.

The Board found that the overpayment of VA educational assistance benefits in the amount of $996.90 was properly created and denied the veteran's appeal.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for status post myocardial infarction and denied it on the merits.

The veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding the effective date for PTSD service connection.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for the residuals of surgery for removal of a pericoronal flap. The claim is now reopened.

The Board found that the appellant is not the veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefit purposes due to prior marriages and lack of common-law marriage recognition in Puerto Rico.

The Board has granted an increased 70 percent evaluation for cyclothymic disorder with dysthymia, effective as of the date of the decision.