Other conditions decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected gastritis and erosive esophagitis is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 7307 or 7346. The veteran's claim for service connection for ulcerated stomach as secondary to prescribed medication for service-connected left patellar tendonitis with patellofemoral pain syndrome is remanded due to insufficient notice.

The Board has awarded effective dates of February 25, 2000 for the grant of service connection for residuals of a lacerated left hand and for degenerative joint disease of the left hand with limitation of motion.

The Board has granted the veteran's waiver of recovery for an overpayment of VA Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation subsistence allowance in the amount of $373.20, finding that it would be against equity and good conscience to require repayment.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current heat stroke or heat exhaustion disabilities and there is no competent medical evidence linking any such disabilities to service. As a result, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete medical records, lack of examination, and other procedural issues. The RO is instructed to obtain all outstanding VA medical records, arrange for examinations, and provide the veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to the need for additional records and consideration of new evidence.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a diagnosis of a headache disorder etiologically related to active service or due to an undiagnosed illness. The veteran's headaches were not shown by competent medical evidence to be etiologically related to his service-connected skin disorder, or to an undiagnosed illness. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a headache disorder was denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not have multiple chemical sensitivity which can be related to his period of service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's rectal cancer is not service-connected, as it does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current brain damage is related to his period of service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board is remanding the case to clarify whether the appellant is the veteran's lawful surviving spouse and, if so, to determine service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The preliminary issue will be addressed first.

The Board denied service connection for deviated septum and residuals of cold injury to the fingers and toes, finding no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from in-service exposure or trauma.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection as there is no medical evidence linking his current left foot condition to service, including a reported injury during active duty. The VA examiner opined that the current degenerative joint disease in the left foot is not related to the reported in-service injury.