Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits, but denied it due to a lack of qualifying service. The appeal is therefore denied.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for chronic furunculosis of the buttocks and back, effective from December 21, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized dental expenses, finding that the services were not rendered in a medical emergency and thus did not meet the criteria for VA compensation.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no proximate cause between his period of service and his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service records show a facial injury during active duty, resulting in loosening of teeth and a fracture. The VA examination confirmed temporomandibular joint syndrome as a residual of this injury, which is considered a direct service connection.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his colon cancer was not related to service or inservice exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for post-operative Crohn's disease, but granted the current 30 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as his reduced visual acuity is not due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for pulmonary fibrosis as a result of asbestos exposure, finding that the condition is not currently manifested.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Tempe St. Luke's Hospital on May 14, 2001 and May 27, 2001 is denied as he does not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The veteran's right foot disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The veteran's left elbow disability has been increased to 20 percent effective February 13, 1998. The Board does not find additional evidence of more severe impairment warranting an even higher rating.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's post-operative residuals of left shoulder surgery with degenerative changes, newly diagnosed as osteochondromatosis of the left glenohumeral joint with grade III-IV degenerative joint disease, effective from February 1, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a rectal polyp disorder, finding that there was no current disability and no evidence connecting it to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral retinal degeneration of the left eye, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to service.

The veteran's right ureterolithiasis was rated at 30 percent from April 12, 1995. The appeal is denied as the disability did not warrant a higher rating during the period in question.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability evaluation for the veteran's service-connected residuals of two cesarean sections and laparotomy, effective from August 31, 1992. The issue of special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ is pending.

The Board found that the veteran's motor neuron disease, including ALS and Kugelberg-Welander syndrome, is not service-connected. The appeal for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment was also denied.

The Board has referred the case back to the RO due to a cancelled VA examination, and instructed them to conduct a new examination and take any necessary measures under the VCAA.

The Board has granted service connection for nicotine dependence and a respiratory disability, including emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both of which are found to be related to the appellant's nicotine dependence that originated in service.