Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for the veteran's residuals of a fracture of the left tenth rib, finding that the symptoms did not meet the criteria in the rating schedule and were not exceptional enough to warrant an extraschedular rating.

The veteran's service-connected neurogenic bowel is rated at the maximum evaluation possible (100 percent) and therefore, his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a right fifth toe disability due to new and material evidence presented since the October 1978 final decision.

The veteran's serpiginous choroiditis is found to be secondary to his service-connected vascular disease of the lower extremities. His right and left lower extremity vascular diseases are both rated at 100 percent, and he qualifies for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his severe disability.

The Board denied the claimant's recognition as a surviving spouse for VA death benefits due to lack of meeting the requirements under 38 U.S.C.A. § 103 and 38 C.F.R. § 3.54.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right index finger disability, with associated scar and interdigital nerve damage, warrants a rating of 10 percent.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an extension of the delimiting date for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code due to his exceeding the age limit for eligibility.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of stress fractures of both ankles, effective August 10, 1992. The earlier effective date request was also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizoaffective disorder, a psychiatric disability, was incurred during active service.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and denied nonservice-connected death pension benefits. The decision is final as it was not appealed.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a higher initial rating of 10 percent for her service-connected status post thorascopic pericardiectomy for pericardial tamponade, finding that she failed to report for necessary VA examinations without good cause and based on the evidence already of record.

The veteran's gunshot wound to the abdomen was not incurred in the line of duty due to his own willful misconduct. The claim has been reopened with new evidence, but service connection remains pending as it is unclear whether the injury occurred during active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected syncope does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, and his TDIU claim is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected residuals of a cerebral concussion, manifested by headaches, as there was no objective evidence supporting an increase in frequency or severity of his headaches.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability, which is manifested by chronic pain and degenerative changes, warrants a 20 percent rating. The current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board found that the veteran does not have residuals of mini-strokes, transient ischemic attacks, or cerebrovascular accidents. Therefore, he is denied compensation for these conditions.

The VA determined that the appellant does not meet the basic service eligibility requirements to entitle him to VA nonservice-connected pension benefits.