Other conditions decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease was denied. Her claim for an increased rating for dermatographia with urticarial lesions was granted, and she received a 10% evaluation effective December 1989. The temporary total disability ratings under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.29 and 4.30 were denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection and increased rating for traumatic arthritis as a residual of a fracture of the right hand is granted. Service connection was established for residuals of a fracture of the right 5th metacarpal, and an evaluation for the right ring and little fingers will be considered.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of a left testicular varicocele are manifested by pain and slight atrophy, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and found it well-grounded. The evidence now shows that the veteran currently has chronic left ear otitis media with perforation of the tympanic membrane, which is a current disability. The crucial question is whether or not his chronic left ear otitis media pre-existed his entry into service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of multiple joints is denied as the condition was not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted a 40% evaluation for the veteran's right hand disability, which includes an amputation of the middle finger and numbness in other fingers. The decision is based on the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis of multiple digits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for nicotine dependence as it was not well-grounded.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than October 8, 1998, for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is granted as of January 28, 1985.

The Board denied the claim for DIC benefits as the serviceman's discharge was under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct, making him ineligible for VA benefits.

The Board has restored service connection for a right eye disability and granted eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or specially adaptive equipment based on the veteran's significant visual impairment from diplopia due to his service-connected left eye disability.

The veteran developed carotid sensitivity requiring a pacemaker implant as a result of VA medical treatment in October 1997, which was not a necessary consequence or intended result. The Board grants compensation for asystolic episodes under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of secondary service connection for loss of alertness and cognition, finding that there was no competent medical evidence to support this claim.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's fibrous dysplasia of the right femoral neck, effective from November 1, 1994.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder on a direct basis. The case is referred back to the RO for further development and review.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for his gunshot wound residuals to the left lower extremity and a 10 percent rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The RO found that there was no evidence of tender or painful scars, nor any functional limitations.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for VA pension benefits, finding that the veteran's claim was received on December 29, 1993, and he did not have a disability preventing him from filing his claim within one year prior to this date.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied because his injuries were found to be the result of his own willful misconduct, specifically drinking alcohol and resisting arrest.

The VA has determined that the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to his left second toe are no more than moderately severe, warranting a 20% disability rating. The condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board found no current disability related to the in-service left ulnar collateral ligament strain and denied service connection for it.