Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder of the face, back, and arms, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness, and joint aches, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a spine disability, including as secondary to service-connected cold injuries, is being remanded due to inadequate previous examinations and the need for further medical evaluation.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for a duodenal ulcer, finding that no new and material evidence had been received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a genitourinary disease, to include venereal disease was previously denied in 1971. The new evidence received since that time is not material and does not relate to the reason the claim had been previously denied. Regarding PTSD, there is no credible supporting evidence of an inservice stressor.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of fracture of the right little finger and service connection for gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for weak joints was denied as there is no evidence of a separate disability apart from chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have optic nerve atrophy of the left eye that is attributable to his active military service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for numbness in his bilateral upper extremities. The Board has determined that additional development, including a VA examination and compliance with VCAA notification requirements, is needed before the claim can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral blepharitis and right pterygium is currently rated at 10 percent, which represents the highest rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the claimant knowingly submitted a false or fraudulent affidavit in support of her VA death benefits claim, leading to forfeiture of all rights, claims, and benefits under all laws administered by VA (except insurance benefits).

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and his left ankle fracture with degenerative joint disease is also rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are not found to warrant an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to afford him a personal hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's application for enrollment in VA health care was denied due to his income exceeding the priority group limit. The case is REMANDED as new financial information and a marriage certificate are needed.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of an adjustment disorder with depressed mood is service connected as it developed during his active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected status post fracture of the mandible is currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting a limitation in mouth opening and function.

The VA did not find that the Veteran's blindness, right eye, was caused by negligence or fault on the part of VA in providing medical care.

The Board has determined that the appellant's deceased spouse did not have the requisite service to qualify for VA death pension benefits.

The Veteran's chronic prostatitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 20 percent is warranted based on his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the appellant's deceased husband did not have qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, and therefore does not meet the requirements for basic eligibility for VA death pension benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing. The issues are about the evaluation of his right calcaneus fracture and whether new evidence has reopened his claim for left foot injuries.