Other conditions decisions — 2002

The Board found that the veteran's duodenal ulcer did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there was no evidence of continuous moderate manifestations or recurring episodes of severe symptoms at least two or three times a year.

The Board found that the veteran's deteriorating vision was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected urticaria and did not pre-exist service. As a result, the claim for service connection for deteriorating vision was denied.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected scars resulting from gunshot wounds to both legs do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left arm disorder and an increased rating for his gastrointestinal disability, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The VA has determined that the veteran's current bilateral foot disorder, which he characterizes as bilateral flat foot, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by joint pain of the elbows, finding that it may be presumed to have been incurred in active service due to exposure in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War.

The VA granted a compensable initial evaluation (20%) for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, status post radical prostatectomy, for the period prior to February 5, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder, to include scoliosis, degenerative joint disease and nerve impingement. The evidence did not support a finding that any current disability was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the RO's denial of service connection for a skin disorder and hand injuries was incorrect due to lack of proper notification. The veteran is requested to provide any additional information concerning pertinent VA or private treatment, and he should be afforded VA examinations to determine the etiology of his current skin disorder and claimed disabilities affecting his hands and fingers.

The veteran's debt to the VA for $8,598.58 in automotive adaptive equipment benefits is valid due to his role in obtaining these services.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and for entitlement to a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previous denial, and that his only ratable disabilities were due to willful misconduct.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the period beginning from May 18, 1992, due to the veteran's right foot disability.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for bilateral patellofemoral arthritis, based on the medical evidence showing findings of swelling and satisfactory evidence of painful motion in both knees.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of an injury to the fourth finger of his left hand was denied as there is no competent evidence showing current disability due to the injury sustained during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disability and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for decreased visual acuity of the left eye due to VA surgery, finding no evidence of mustard gas exposure during service and insufficient medical evidence linking any worsening vision to VA treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a gum disorder and cardiovascular disease, including residuals of a stroke. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the left deltoid muscle, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for post traumatic stress disorder.

The Board found that the December 1960 rating decision incorrectly applied the regulations and assigned a noncompensable evaluation for the appellant's service-connected scar of the right buttock. The evidence at the time showed that the scar was slightly tender to deep palpation, warranting a 10% evaluation.