Other conditions decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for his service-connected right fifth metacarpophalangeal arthrofibrosis with flexion contracture and ulnar deviation was granted. The effective date is set at December 18, 1996.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected schizo-affective disorder, finding that it occasions severe overall impairment. The veteran is not entitled to a higher rating as his condition does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation under either the old or revised Diagnostic Code 9211.

The Board has determined that the appellant's discharge from service is a bar to receiving VA benefits due to his multiple periods of unauthorized absence without leave (AWOL). The Board found no compelling circumstances warranting the prolonged absences and concluded that the appellant was not insane at the time he went AWOL.

The veteran's income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate for a veteran with one dependent, thus his application for non-service-connected pension benefits is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are well grounded and have granted them.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD was remanded by the Board due to a need for further development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric examination and determining whether staged ratings are appropriate.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the left fourth finger is granted, with a rating of 10% effective from January 13, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a deviated septum and Lyme disease, as well as her claim for an initial evaluation for her right foot disability. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board granted separate 30 percent ratings for right and left trenchfoot, increasing the veteran's combined rating from 40 to 60 percent effective January 12, 2000.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to forfeiture actions declared against the veteran under 38 U.S.C.A. § 6103(a).

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conversion disorder is in remission and does not currently manifest any symptoms or signs. As a result, an increased rating for this condition is denied.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to new and material evidence. However, the claim remains not well-grounded as there is no evidence linking the veteran's death to his service-connected anxiety disorder or his POW experience.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for loss of reproductive capability, secondary to his service-connected shell fragment wound to the right thigh is well grounded and will be further developed before a decision can be made.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired disorder of the prostate, finding that his claim was not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's psychosis was incurred in service, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected residuals of a rupture of the right Achilles tendon was denied as he failed to appear at scheduled VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a personality disorder, finding that it is not a disease or injury within the meaning of applicable legislation providing for compensation.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of service connection for blackout spells, right arm numbness, and recurrent nose bleeds were not well-grounded due to lack of credible evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for porphyria cutanea tarda, finding no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange and a lack of diagnosis of PCT during or within one year after service.

The Board found no evidence linking the cause of the veteran's death to his active military service or any service-connected condition, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim was denied as not well grounded.