Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral varicose veins.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple myeloma of the thoracic spine and a nervous disorder, as well as his claim for an increased rating for thoracic spine (T6) fracture residuals. The decision found that there was no evidence to support a relationship between the veteran's service-connected thoracic spine fractures and his current conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hand disability, which is secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability, has been remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development and notification of the VCAA.

The Board has deferred its decision on the issues of service connection for gastritis and hiatal hernia pending additional development of the record. The case is now REMANDED to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no new and material evidence presented.

The Board found that the veteran's poliomyelitis residuals were incurred in service, granting her claim for service connection.

The Board has increased the rating for the veteran's post-traumatic spondylolisthesis from 20 percent to 40 percent since February 17, 1994. The case is remanded for further development regarding his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found no etiologic relationship between the veteran's urologic disorder and his military service or a pre-existing thoracic spine lipoma, thus denying service connection.

The veteran's organic personality disorder due to residuals of a subdural hematoma is rated at 30 percent, and the appeal for higher ratings has been denied.

The Board found that the veteran was likely exposed to asbestos during service but does not currently have an asbestos-related disorder, leading to a denial of his claim for service connection.

The Board's March 6, 1998 decision involving CUE was dismissed as it has been appealed to and decided by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left ureteropelvic junction obstruction and did not address the issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus L5-S1, status post discectomy and has also determined that he is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal, fingernail, prostate gland, and gallbladder disorders as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied an increased disability evaluation for service-connected uveitis quiescent with cataracts of the right eye, currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's claim of an increased disability rating for his service-connected left hand crush injury residuals is being remanded due to additional evidentiary development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fatigue is due to an undiagnosed illness and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board dismissed the claim as the appellant did not establish his status as a child for DIC benefits, and thus had no standing to appeal the underlying merits of the service connection issue.

The veteran's gouty arthritis is productive of complaints of pain, swelling and limited motion on flare-ups. The VA has determined that the disability approximates disability due to 3 or more incapacitating episodes annually, warranting a 40 percent rating.

The Board denied increased ratings for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5257.