Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's right hip disorder did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and thus denied his appeal.

The veteran's period of service ended with a less than honorable discharge, which disqualifies him from basic eligibility for educational assistance under Chapter 30. There is no evidence of any disability that would allow for eligibility based on a pre-existing condition or medical condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hand disability is not etiologically related to service or his service-connected left hand disability, including as a result of overuse due to such disability. As such, the claim for service connection for a right hand disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA respiratory examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service and stressor confirmation. The veteran's claims for PTSD and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are pending.

The Board found that the veteran's right elbow condition (epicondylitis) was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The veteran's furunculosis of the buttocks is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating, and he does not have any other service-connected disabilities that would warrant a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, including any asbestos exposure. The cause of death was determined to be natural and related to post-service work at a cement factory.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for adjustment disorder with depressed mood has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current neuromuscular leg weakness is not related to his in-service diagnosis of spinal meningitis, and thus service connection for residuals of spinal meningitis is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current skin cancer is related to his military service.

The veteran seeks service connection for right ear otitis media. The Board previously denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and left ear otitis media. The case is now remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of current right ear chronic otitis media.

The veteran's original claim for service connection for dysthymia was received on September 20, 2002. The Board found that there is no pending claim before this date and denied the request for an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim for additional VCAA notification and development of evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for thrombophlebitis of the left lower extremity, finding that new and material evidence has not been submitted since the September 1978 rating decision.

The veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development to determine the degree of industrial impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities, standing alone.

The veteran's nonservice-connected improved disability pension benefits were terminated effective December 1, 2003, due to his countable income exceeding the maximum allowable amount.

The veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from June 1, 1991 to October 7, 2003 has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by cholangiocarcinoma, a disease not service-connected due to lack of evidence of radiation exposure during service. The cause of death is therefore granted.

The veteran's endometriosis and left groin disorder are rated at 10 percent each, with the depression claim being remanded for further review.