Other conditions decisions — 2002

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not make him housebound or in need of regular aid and assistance, as his condition does not render him permanently bedridden or helpless.

The Board found that the June 1948 rating decision assigning a 20 percent evaluation for the left lower back wound and a 10 percent evaluation for the abdominal wound was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, warranting a higher evaluation based on the severity of the injuries.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his macular cyst of the right eye, finding that the evidence did not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the appellant's deceased spouse did not have qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, and therefore does not meet the criteria for VA benefits.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, despite the appellant's assertions about in-service exposure.

The veteran's right hand disability, including a shell fragment wound and fracture of the index metacarpal, does not result in functional deficits or scarring that would warrant a compensable evaluation. The combined effect of his service-connected disabilities has not been shown to interfere with normal employability.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's current head disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's gunshot wound residuals of the right hand and forearm, effective December 4, 2000. The previous evaluations were denied.

The Board found that the current 10 percent evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the left radius and ulna does not adequately reflect the severity of this disability, as evidenced by mild restriction of forearm pronation and supination, full forearm flexion and extension.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen her previous claims.

The veteran's claim for service connection for small cell lung carcinoma, which he claimed was due to herbicide exposure, has been dismissed because the veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has determined that a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for traumatic arthritis and osteochondritis dissecans of the left knee, prior to September 1, 1999, is not warranted. From September 1, 1999, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for laxity of the left knee is also not warranted.

The Board has dismissed the motion for revision of a decision based on clear and unmistakable error because there is no final decision to review.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease. The RO denied the claim in March 1994, but the veteran sought to reopen it in May 1997. In February 1998, the RO determined that no new evidence was submitted sufficient to change the outcome of the denial.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the service-connected irritable colon syndrome, which is more severe than the current noncompensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiac disorder, finding that there was no evidence of such disorder during or within one year after his separation from active duty.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, as well as the claim for metastatic gastric carcinoma. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the veteran's cancer to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right eye disability is denied as the current rating of 30 percent adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of multiple basal cell carcinomas as due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen her service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding no new and material evidence. The decision is final as it was not appealed to the Court.