Other conditions decisions — 2009

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is severe enough to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The appellant's late husband did not have valid military service in the Armed Services of the United States, and therefore may not be considered a 'veteran' for VA purposes.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of cold weather injuries of the ears, as there is no current disability. For the hands and feet, a VA examination was needed to determine if the current condition is related to service.

The veteran's amputation of the left ring finger, while just distal to the proximal phalanx, is accompanied by very substantial pain, requiring Vicodin, and has been reported to result in flare-ups with additional disability. The Board finds that a higher evaluation of 20 percent is warranted.

The Board grants service connection for organic brain disease or dementia due to an in-service head injury, applying the doctrine of reasonable doubt.

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

The Board denied service connection for basal cell carcinoma of the nose and a compensable rating for malaria.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a heart murmur or a cardiac disability related to a heart murmur has been reopened based on new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further adjudication, as a medical opinion regarding the relationship between VA care and the veteran's death is required.

The appellant is entitled to recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of VA death benefits.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a hernia operation as there was no evidence of the condition in-service or for many years thereafter, and no medical evidence linking it to service.

The case is remanded to ensure that the contested claims procedures have been followed.

The veteran's refractory neuropathic pain syndrome of the left hip with history of trochanter bursitis does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent disabling.

The appellant was married to the veteran for less than one year, which prevented her recognition as the veteran's 'surviving spouse' for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation purposes.

The Board found that there was no evidence of additional genitourinary disability due to a November 15, 2001, VA medical procedure.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU benefits was denied as the evidence did not show a factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to January 18, 2000.

The Board denied service connection for the post-operative residuals of a left varicocele as there is no evidence showing an increase in severity during or as a result of active service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability as secondary to the service-connected residuals of left ankle strain/sprain and also found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, finding no medical evidence linking her current gastrointestinal disorders to her in-service diagnosis of gastroenteritis or any other aspect of her military service.