Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia of the right patella and residuals of a fractured right clavicle with posttraumatic arthritis, finding that the evidence did not support higher schedular ratings based on current functional impairment or limitation of motion.

The apportionment of the veteran's VA disability compensation benefits to his son as a helpless child in the amount of $300 is proper and should not be terminated.

The veteran died without having any service-connected disabilities. Therefore, the appellant's claim for dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Board found that the appellant's service-connected status-post gastric ulcer is productive of continuous moderate manifestations, including vomiting and abdominal pain that require daily medication. Therefore, a 20 percent disability rating for the appellant's service-connected status-post gastric ulcer was granted.

The veteran's post-traumatic and inflammatory arthritis of the left ankle are found to be attributable to service, thus granting service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a spider bite to the right index finger and deviated nasal septum are related to service, granting his claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for residuals of a postoperative fracture of the left little finger, finding that no rating in excess of 0 percent was warranted prior to August 26, 2002 and since then. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating effective from August 26, 2002.

The veteran's skin disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and his claims for compensable evaluation of hemorrhoids and increased rating for residuals of fracture are denied as a matter of law due to failure to report for scheduled examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory/pulmonary and skin disorders, finding no new and material evidence to support reopening of these previously denied claims.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as he did not have qualifying military service, and thus does not meet basic eligibility for VA benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of the veteran's death, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left inguinal hernia, finding that there was no evidence of such condition during or immediately following his military service and no medical opinion linking it to service.

The case is being remanded to the RO for obtaining copies of the veteran's complete service personnel file and readjudicating the claim in light of all additional evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of measles as there is no evidence of a current disability attributable to the 1957 measles infection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a private facility. The case is being remanded to complete additional development and review.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and is remanding the case back to the RO for additional examination and consideration.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now being remanded for additional examination and review.

The veteran's appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 (West 2002) for additional disability resulting from a penile implantation at a VA facility in October 1989 has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of a compression fracture of the 12th thoracic vertebra are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available. The Board finds that an increase in disability rating beyond 20 percent is not warranted based on current evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's son was permanently incapable of self-support prior to reaching 18 years old and has remained disabled since then, thus recognizing him as a helpless child.