Other conditions decisions — 2002

The Board found that the veteran's aortic valve stenosis clearly and unmistakably preexisted service and was not aggravated during active duty.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 10% each for the appellant's left thumb and right middle finger disorders, finding that they are characterized by diminished function.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic blepharitis is a continuation of eye problems he experienced during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's residuals of a left inguinal herniorrhaphy, finding that these residuals are postoperative and manifested by recurrent symptoms. The higher rating is warranted as it more closely approximates the criteria for a small postoperative inguinal hernia that is recurrent or unoperated irremediable.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his trench foot disabilities was granted, and the effective date is set at April 3, 2002.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a lower back injury. The evidence shows spinal stenosis with a small herniated disc at L5-S1, which is considered new and significant in deciding the merits of the claim.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to any service-connected disability.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date for VA benefits based on her son's permanent incapacity to support himself prior to reaching age 18, as the claim was not submitted within one year of the RO's requests.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board concluded that exposure to Agent Orange may be associated with the veteran's breast cancer, which led to his death from metastatic cancer.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for DIC due to new and material evidence, but she is not considered the surviving spouse of the veteran for purposes of awarding DIC.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and granted service connection for right eye enucleation, finding that the pre-existing condition was aggravated by military service.

The veteran's prior grant of service connection for nervous and stomach disorders is acknowledged, with a rating of 30% effective June 19, 1969.

The Board has determined that a skin disorder first noted during active service has continued to cause discomfort and granted the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the initial 10 percent evaluation assigned for bunionectomies of the left foot is appropriate, as it accurately reflects the veteran's current disability level.

The Board found that the veteran's right eye impairment and vision loss were not caused by negligence or fault on the part of VA in furnishing surgical treatment, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his alcohol abuse, which in turn caused liver and cardiomyopathy leading to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed impulse control disorder did not exist prior to service and was not aggravated during service. The condition is therefore deemed unrelated to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of malaria, finding no evidence to support his claim and noting that he was not treated for malaria during service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because the appellant did not timely perfect an appeal from the RO's decision which denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.