Other conditions decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that the veteran's right eye disability, resulting from VA treatment in 1991, does not warrant an evaluation higher than the current 30 percent rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent for her service-connected pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic adhesions, postoperative total abdominal hysterectomy.

The veteran's case is being remanded due to his appeal regarding whether he is mentally competent for VA benefits purposes.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for macular degeneration of the right eye with hole formation and decreased visual acuity. The claim is now subject to further review on its merits.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the claimant's discharge from active service was under other than honorable conditions, thus precluding entitlement to Veteran's benefits, except for health care under Chapter 17 of the United States Code.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew it before a decision was made.

The veteran's case is being remanded due to his inability to appear at a scheduled hearing. The RO will schedule another hearing and return the claims folder for further review.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected neurapraxia of the left fifth and seventh cranial nerves do not warrant an increased rating as they are currently evaluated.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected urethral stricture, which is manifested by urinary frequency and leakage requiring absorbent pads changed two to three times per day.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed an anal fissure as a result of treatment at a VA facility in November 1995, and this additional disability is compensable under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's PTSD is productive of severe impairment in establishing and maintaining effective relationships due to symptoms such as emotional distancing, poor anger control, violent behavior, and verbally abusive interactions. The Board finds that the veteran's disability picture more closely approximates the criteria for a 100 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for the residuals of shrapnel wounds of both lower extremities. The veteran's claim is now reopened, but further development is needed due to conflicting information regarding his receipt of the Purple Heart Medal.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected amputation of the distal phalanx ring finger of his left (major) hand, finding that a separate 10 percent rating was warranted for the associated amputation scar but denying any higher rating based on the current disability.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to lack of evidence linking his colon cancer to service. The appellant was also denied eligibility for dependents' educational assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left thigh, Muscle Group XIV is being remanded due to the need to address a newly raised service connection issue for a left knee disorder.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death and that squamous cell carcinoma was not present in service or within one year after separation.

The Board has decided to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for post traumatic stress disorder and will proceed with further development.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral defective hearing was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for the residuals of a stress fracture of the left hip.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a left elbow disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.