Other conditions decisions — 2002

The Board denied increased ratings for residuals of a fracture of the left fibula and chondromalacia patella of both knees, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's metastatic squamous cell carcinoma is related to his in-service exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability is March 20, 1996. The claim was received within one year of this date and it is factually ascertainable that the appellant was unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence to support a causal relationship between the veteran's service and his death, thus denying the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the veteran died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board granted a compensable rating (10%) for the veteran's service-connected residuals of strain of the right trapezius muscle, effective from July 3, 1997.

The Board found that the veteran's left foot disorder did not have its onset during service and is not related to service. The RO previously denied this claim in June 1978, but reopened it based on new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The VA determined that the veteran's right brachial artery graft, secondary to a catheterization injury, warranted a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for tardive dyskinesia, finding that his symptoms were no more than moderately disabling and thus warranting only a 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of injury to the right 4th finger and a fracture of the right 5th metacarpal, but denied an increased rating. The veteran's disabilities are manifested by pain in the right 4th and 5th fingers, with limitation of motion less than one inch.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a corneal abrasion to his right eye, finding that his current refractive errors are not due to any in-service injury or disease.

The Board found that the veteran's absence without leave (AWOL) at the time of his accident materially interfered with his duty, and therefore his injuries were not incurred in the line of duty.

The veteran's chronic periodontal disease was incurred during service and is now eligible for VA outpatient dental treatment.

The veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a left eye injury has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) warrants a 30 percent evaluation, as it is manifested by symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment.

The Board has determined that the appellant failed to file a timely substantive appeal regarding her claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, and thus dismissed the appeal.

The veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for residuals of an injury to the left fourth toe is being remanded due to the failure to provide a neurological examination.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his fatal metastatic carcinoma to the pancreas was not caused by or related to any service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's HIV-related illness warrants an initial evaluation of 30 percent, effective from December 4, 1993.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a skin disorder and granted service connection. The veteran's cervicitis is currently rated as noncompensable due to lack of continuous treatment.