Other conditions decisions — 2002

The VA examiner concluded that the cause of death was alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and not related to service-connected peripheral vascular disease. The Board found no evidence supporting a causal relationship between the veteran's service-connected disabilities and his death.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 40 percent for right knee residuals of a fracture of the distal right femur and a 20 percent rating for right hip residuals. The regulatory criteria for submission to the Undersecretary for Benefits or Director, Compensation and Pension Service for extra-schedular rating have not been met.

The Board found that the appellant's current HIV infection and AIDS are not related to any event or injury in service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current diplopia is not causally or etiologically related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied increased ratings and initial rating claims for service-connected conditions, finding no evidence of new or material evidence to reopen the cases.

The VA determined that the veteran's bladder injury and impotence were not caused by carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill on the part of VA in providing treatment. The Board found no evidence to support a finding of additional disability resulting from VA treatment.

The Board found that the appellant's husband did not have the required service to qualify her for VA death benefits, and thus denied her claim.

The veteran's death was due to metastatic large cell carcinoma of the lung, which is a radiation-presumptive disease under new regulations effective March 26, 2002. The Board has granted presumptive service connection for the cause of the veteran's death based on exposure to ionizing radiation in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a 1984 head/neck injury. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing gastroparesis was aggravated by her military service, and thus she is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current nose deformity is not a result of cold injury in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for cysts and a perianal abscess was granted, effective June 26, 2002. His right hip cyst is rated at 10 percent disabling.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left tarsal tunnel syndrome, finding that it manifested by mild to moderate incomplete paralysis as evidenced by pain and limitation of motion.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's current bilateral foot disorder is related to his active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a hiatal hernia, finding that there was no link between any symptoms in service and his current disability.

The Board found that the veteran's right inguinal hernia was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for prostatitis, finding that there is clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing prostatitis prior to service and a specific finding by a VA examiner that the increase in severity was due to the natural progress of the disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left patella tendon tear does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for bruxism, which was first shown during service. As a result, the claim is granted.