Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's income exceeds the maximum annual limit for receipt of nonservice-connected disability pension with housebound benefits.,The criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the record, including obtaining additional VA and private medical treatment records, scheduling a VA examination if necessary, and considering entitlement to a TDIU under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining pulmonary function test results and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his lung disorders. The issue of entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities will also be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection secondary to his service-connected sinusitis, finding that there was no evidence of VA treatment or causation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for panic disorder is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration under the rating criteria in effect before November 7, 1996.

The Veteran seeks service connection for lipomatosis, which he claims is related to his herbicide exposure during service. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the claimed condition and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD and denied service connection for schizoaffective disorder, alcohol dependence and polysubstance abuse. The claim was reopened on new evidence but service connection is still denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's macular degeneration disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service nor was it caused or aggravated by service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right tibia and fibula fracture (peroneal tendonitis) are rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current neurological impairment of the hands, including positive Tinel's sign, decreased grip strength, and tremors, is service-connected. This disability was observed during active service and continues to persist post-service.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis of the left lower extremity did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, nor is it secondary to his service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left leg.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's skin disability claim due to an inextricably intertwined diabetes claim, and will be reconsidered after resolving that issue.

The Veteran's vision loss, diagnosed as age-related macular degeneration, was not incurred during military service and is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his service-connected right arm palsy was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disability and right great toe injury residuals were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a right great toe injury, but granted the claim for a stomach disability.

The Board denied service connection for substance abuse on a secondary basis as it was not shown to be related to the Veteran's service-connected depression. The other issues were not addressed due to lack of evidence or jurisdiction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further development.

The Veteran does not have a current chest condition manifested by costochondritis, shortness of breath or pain that is related to his period of active service. His symptoms are more likely due to obesity.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left leg varicose veins with residual scars is being remanded due to the need for clarification of the nature of his service-connected condition and the basis for the current 10 percent rating, as well as an examination.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.