Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board denied an increased rating for myositis ossificans of the right hip, finding that the current 40 percent evaluation is the maximum allowable under VA's rating criteria.

The veteran's residuals of a fracture of the pelvis and left hip were previously rated at 30 percent prior to May 19, 2000. The current rating of 40 percent is granted effective from that date.

The VA has determined that the veteran's dermatophytosis of the feet, which is currently rated at 30 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence and regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to apply provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, and the claim is sent back for further development.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conjunctivitis is healed and absent current residuals, thus denying his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's recurrent pterygium of the right eye was incurred during service and is caused by sunlight exposure. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that cancer of the lung, which is presumed to be due to radiation exposure in service, caused the veteran's death. The metastases in the brain are not considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that a 40 percent rating is warranted for the veteran's residuals of a shrapnel wound to the left thigh, reflecting severe impairment of muscle group XIV.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's residuals of a right mid calf gunshot wound, finding that these residuals are manifested by severe injury to Muscle Group XI, including a comminuted fibula fracture. The maximum schedular rating available is 30 percent.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran required a period of convalescence from treatment of his service-connected left fifth finger disorder for the period from August 1, 1999 to November 3, 1999. The VA has granted an extension of a temporary total disability evaluation due to this condition.

The Board denied reimbursement for the cost of private medical care provided by Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital from October 16 - 20, 1995, and November 13 - 17, 1995 due to lack of prior authorization from VA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder is related to injuries sustained during active service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for his schizoaffective disorder, finding that he did not receive proper notification of his appellate rights in 1964.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of urethral stricture disease is related to his service, specifically his treatment for urethritis in 1955. As a result, the veteran's claim for service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's duodenal ulcer with hiatal hernia did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as his disability was not moderately severe or persistently recurrent with dysphagia, pyrosis, and considerable impairment of health.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran meets all three criteria for service connection, including a diagnosis of PTSD and a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors. As such, the claim for post-traumatic stress disorder is granted.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's right hand disorder to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed disabilities, finding no current residuals of gunshot wounds or shrapnel injuries in his service records and noting that he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations. The claims were based on unconfirmed assertions of injury during service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.