Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, finding that there was no evidence showing he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation solely due to his service-connected back disability prior to May 18, 2000.

The veteran meets the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing special adaptive housing or a home adaptation grant due to his service-connected loss of use of both lower extremities. The veteran also qualifies for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment, as he is eligible under Chapter 39 benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for emphysema and found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim for a psychiatric disability. The veteran's claim for emphysema is based on direct service connection, while his psychiatric disability claim was reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of left foot fracture do not warrant a higher disability evaluation, as they are manifested by complaints of pain and numbness with full range of motion.

The Board found that the appellant's deceased spouse had no recognized service for VA benefit purposes and denied the appeal to establish basic eligibility for survivors' pension benefits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The case is being remanded due to procedural defects in notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's Crohn's disease to his period of active service and denied the claim.

The Board found that the veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate at the time of the November 1995 decision, and thus denied her claim for pension benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for traumatic arthritis of the left hip, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has determined that a further examination of the veteran is necessary to determine if he needs aid and attendance, as well as notifying him about his rights under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board determined that the appellant's deceased spouse did not have qualifying service in the Armed Forces of the United States, and thus does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for VA benefits.

The Board has ordered further development due to incomplete records. The case will be returned for additional evidence collection from VA medical centers and the Army Medical Center.

The Board found that the veteran does not have defective hearing in his right ear and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right eye pterygium. The case is now remanded for further development.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for spondylolisthesis of L5-S1 with herniated nucleus pulposus, post operative, has been withdrawn.

The VA denied service connection for osteopenia or osteoporosis with compression fractures of the thoracic spine, finding that there was no medical evidence establishing a link between these conditions and the veteran's active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis and dyshidrosis of the hands, feet, and suprapubic area warrants a 60 percent evaluation since August 30, 2002.

The Board has received notification of a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant's representative, Paralyzed Veterans of America. As such, the appeal is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board found that the veteran's right hip disability did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as there was no objective evidence of ankylosis, arthritis, or flail joint in the right hip. The limitation of motion in the right hip and thigh did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of her spouse's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.