Other conditions decisions — 2002

The Board has denied a rating greater than 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of gastrectomy, finding that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of healed fractures of the right hip and femur warrant a disability rating of 40 percent, which takes into account his impairment due to pain on motion.

The veteran died from pneumonia, rule out typhoid fever and acute myocardial infarction. The Board found no service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating.

The Board found that the veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was not incurred or aggravated by exposure to ionizing radiation during service, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral os calcis bone spurs, finding that they are no more than moderate in degree.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a closed head injury, finding that the disability did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Codes 9304 or 8045.

The Board has determined that the veteran's xerosis, claimed as dry itchy skin, is related to her military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a testicular disability and an increased evaluation for headaches. The veteran did not have a current testicular disability related to his active service, and there was no evidence of chronic disability resulting from undiagnosed illness manifested by testicular pain during Southwest Asia service or currently.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chest pains, varicocele or epididymitis, and an abnormal chest x-ray. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for chest pains, and that there was no nexus between current testicular conditions and service. The abnormal chest x-ray was also deemed unrelated to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for dysthymia and a compensable initial evaluation for recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding with duodenal diverticulum, finding that his current symptoms do not warrant higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's visual disorder, diagnosed as refractive error of the eyes, was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not due to an undiagnosed illness. As such, the claim for service connection for a visual disorder is denied.

The Board has restored the veteran's 100 percent rating for his service-connected thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic anemia, finding that it more nearly approximates the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Board found that B.S. is not the veteran's child for VA purposes, as there was no biological or legal connection between them.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected conjunctivitis, currently evaluated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal, concluding that his disability resulting from an injury on June 28, 1993, was due to his own willful misconduct.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for a left ventricle and/or mitral regurgitation disorders, an ulcer of the left eye, and liver disease for purposes of accrued benefits due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the appellant knowingly submitted false documentation in support of her claim for VA benefits, leading to a forfeiture of all rights, claims and benefits under all laws administered by the VA. The appeal is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected TTP disability had improved and was no longer disabling, thus finding the RO's reduction from 100% to 0% proper.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted since January 1997 decision does not show an increase in disability of numbness of the left hand due to VA treatment, and thus no new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim.