Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic vascular disease, claimed as a residual of cold exposure during active duty, is not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a link between the veteran's current condition and his alleged in-service exposure to cold or any continuity of lower extremity symptomatology after discharge.

The Board has determined that a rating in excess of 30 percent for fungus infection of the feet is not warranted prior to July 6, 1995. For the period from July 6, 1995 onwards, no higher rating can be assigned due to lack of evidence of ulceration or systemic manifestations.

The veteran's application for dependents' educational assistance benefits was denied due to the effective date of August 27, 1995. The RO is instructed to review the case under revised criteria and obtain all necessary documents before reconsidering the claim.

The veteran's death was not caused by VA medical treatment, and there is no evidence that the treatment contributed to his death. The cause of death was a vascular event resulting in small bowel necrosis.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the presence of other psychiatric disorders and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's postoperative residuals of a total hysterectomy are service-connected, as her pelvic adhesive disease first manifested during active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lipomas are related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a stomach disorder including ulcer disease and granted service connection based on direct evidence of such condition during active duty. The veteran's hemorrhoids are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a lack of evidence showing the condition was present during or within one year after service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus does not warrant a 60 percent evaluation, as there is no objective medical evidence showing persistent symptoms of intervertebral disc syndrome compatible with sciatic neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bad conduct discharge from service was under dishonorable conditions, which constitutes a bar to VA benefits including health care and related benefits authorized under Chapter 17 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of compression fractures of C7 and T5, finding that a 10 percent rating was appropriate based on slight limitation of motion in the cervical spine.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and employment information.

The Board determined that the veteran's claim has been abandoned due to his failure to cooperate with VA examinations and provide requested evidence, resulting in termination of pension benefits.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral defective hearing and granted a 10 percent evaluation for paronychia and lymphangitis of the left middle finger. The issue of an increased rating remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's recurrent right inguinal hernia, finding that it was aggravated by his prior service.

The Board has found that the veteran's service-connected primary sclerosing cholangitis warrants a 30% evaluation, as it is currently manifested by constant pruritus, chronic abdominal discomfort, nausea, increased liver enzymes, and fatigue.

The Board denied entitlement to an effective date prior to October 1, 1998 for the reinstatement of DIC benefits as the law did not allow retroactive application prior to October 1, 1998.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1 with nerve root compression is denied as he is already receiving the maximum possible rating.

The Board found that the veteran's varicose vein disability did not meet or approximate criteria for an evaluation greater than 20 percent, and denied his claim.