Other conditions decisions — 2002

The veteran's bronchiectasis is rated at 60 percent disabling, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected bronchiectasis.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen her previously denied claim.

The Board found that the decision to terminate the stepson's share of the veteran's VA compensation benefits effective June 1, 1992 was correct.

The Board dismissed the appellant's appeal because her substantive appeal was not timely filed, despite an extension granted by the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right wrist disorder, characterized by Grade II tendonopathy within the flexor carpi ulnaris, disruption of the radial collateral ligament, and intra-substance injury of the scapholunate ligament, warrants a compensable disability evaluation (10%) based on moderate damage to Muscle Group VIII without anklyosis or limitation of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for cause of death effective from August 17, 1989. The veteran's death was caused by a condition that may be related to his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral hip condition, initially manifested by arthritis and now shown to include arthroplasty residuals, is as least as likely as not due to or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral foot disability. Therefore, secondary service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's arthritis of the left leg and hip was not incurred or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim for increased rating for residuals of a severed left Achilles tendon will be addressed in a later post-development decision.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability produces mild symptoms, with no significant impairment in his ability to establish or maintain effective and wholesome relationships. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence of a hernia during service and denied the veteran's claim for residuals of a hernia.

The Board has determined that the appellant's porphyria cutanea tarda was incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange during his active duty.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for arteriosclerosis. The earlier effective date for TDIU was also denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left foot fracture with non-union of the scaphoid due to new and material evidence. The Board also found that his pre-existing condition was aggravated by military service, allowing him to establish service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for dry hands, intolerance of heat, and a chronic cough with an obstructive lung defect as manifestations of an undiagnosed illness from the veteran's service in Southwest Asia.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a subtotal gastrectomy and bilateral vagotomy do not warrant an increased disability rating beyond the current 20 percent evaluation.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's cataracts to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right meniscectomy due to new and material evidence submitted since the October 1976 final RO decision. The claim is denied as the preexisting condition did not increase in disability during service.

The Board found that a timely notice of disagreement was received with respect to the June 1999 denial of the appellant's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment in pension benefits. The matter is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case and further proceedings.

The August 1954 rating decision denied service connection for a torn lateral meniscus of the left knee, but the Board found that there was clear and unmistakable error in this decision due to the failure to apply relevant regulations concerning service connection.

The appellant does not have recognized service that meets the requirements for basic eligibility for VA benefits.