Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found no evidence of cold weather injuries to the appellant's feet during service and concluded that there is no nexus between any current foot disabilities and service. The appellant has not been diagnosed with residuals of a cold injury in either foot.

The Veteran's condition was deemed non-emergent, but the Board found that his belief in an emergent condition was reasonable given his history and symptoms. The closest VA facility was not feasibly available due to distance and travel time constraints.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected residuals of a spontaneous pneumothorax was denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill) and Chapter 32 (Veterans Education Assistance Program) were denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for the residuals of an injury to Muscle Group XVII as a result of a gunshot wound to the buttocks was denied by the Board, with no current muscle or functional disability found.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records, including service treatment records from USS Intreped and private treatment records prior to 1995.

The Veteran was recognized as a former prisoner of war, but his cause of death (acute dehydration due to gastroenteritis and Koch's pulmonary disorder) is not service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence supporting an in-service stressor. The Veteran's mood disorder and pain disorder are also not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his suicide to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of anal fissure and pruritus ani are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records review.

The Veteran's cardiovascular disorder is not service-connected, and the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 has been denied as the proximate cause of his disability was not due to VA fault.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hyperlipidemia, including as secondary to his service-connected Type II Diabetes Mellitus, is denied as a matter of law because hyperlipidemia is not considered a ratable disability.

The Veteran's right thigh shrapnel wound residuals have not manifested a visible scar, limitation of motion or function of the affected bodily part (right thigh muscle group XV), or painful motion of the affected bodily part. Therefore, his claim for an increased rating has been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of clear and unmistakable error in both the August 1972 and May 1999 rating decisions regarding his back condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant was not recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA purposes, but found that a 'deemed valid' marriage occurred. The merits of her claim seeking service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death are addressed on remand.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ocular surface dryness of the bilateral eyes is granted, with a finding that his current condition is related to his in-service eye complaints.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is presumed to have been incurred during service due to his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate disorder and loss of a creative organ, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after his military discharge. The new evidence submitted does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran had no pending claim for VA benefits at the time of his death, and therefore is not eligible for accrued benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear disability is not related to his service, and therefore, he does not meet the criteria for service connection. Additionally, as there are no service-connected disabilities, the claim of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities lacks legal merit.