Other conditions decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for recognition as a former prisoner of war (POW) for VA benefits, including the presumptive provisions of Public Law 97-37 and Public Law 100-322, was denied due to lack of evidence showing he served as a POW during his verified service period.

The Board found that the appellant does not have valid military service and therefore cannot be considered a 'veteran' for VA benefits, leading to a denial of his claim.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that while he had frostbite, malnutrition, and edema and swelling of the feet during his period as a prisoner of war, these conditions did not result in ischemic heart disease. The Board concluded that there was no direct evidence linking the veteran's death to service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a pulmonary disorder, claimed as secondary to mustard gas exposure. The veteran's new and material evidence includes his testimony regarding exposure during active service and symptoms he experienced at that time.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an increased disability rating for her service-connected angioneurotic edema, currently rated at 40 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent for urinary incontinence is denied. The evidence does not show that the schedular criteria for a higher rating have been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and earlier effective date for his service-connected right clavicle fracture residuals, finding that the evidence did not show a factual basis prior to June 8, 1998.

The Board found that the veteran's lung disability was not incurred in or aggravated during his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected residuals of a right hip replacement, currently evaluated at 70 percent.

The veteran's service does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for stomach pain, finding no underlying disability to support his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 because the procedures in question were not performed at a VA facility and there was no contractual agreement between the Iowa City VA medical center and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics that covered these services.

The veteran's appeal is denied as there is no basis for retroactive VA education benefits under the regulatory criteria governing commencement dates of awards of Chapter 30 educational assistance benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding no competent evidence linking the veteran's cause of death to his service or excluding tobacco use.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and for special monthly pension based on being housebound due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.