Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and unclear etiology of the veteran's joint pain.

The veteran died of adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. Since he was not rated totally disabled at the time of his death and did not have a total-disability rating during the ten years preceding his death, dependency and indemnity compensation is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not substantially or materially contribute to his death, and he was not entitled to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, finding no new and material evidence that would establish a pre-existing condition or link it to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disorder and post colon polypectomy. The issue of a right foot disorder is pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant's countable income exceeds the maximum limit for payment of Parent's DIC, thus denying her claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for the traumatic loss of the tip of his left ring finger is granted, and he is assigned a 10% disability rating. The claim to reopen his service connection for diabetes mellitus is also granted.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for macular changes of the right eye and arthritis of the left hip, finding that the conditions did not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current noncompensable ratings.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for right heel pain and granted service connection for plantar fasciitis of the right foot. The left heel disorder is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural deficiencies and the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is for an earlier effective date for a grant of a 30 percent evaluation for his service-connected psychogenic gastrointestinal disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary information and evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for enucleation of the right eye. The RO previously denied this claim in February 1958, which became final based on the evidence then of record.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's skin disorder, which is claimed as multiple chemical sensitivity. The decision is based on evidence that links this condition to his military service without relying on any presumption or new and material evidence.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a gonococcus infection, including loss of a creative organ due to new and material evidence. However, further development is needed before making a decision on the merits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for cold injuries to both feet. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for squamous papilloma of the bilateral true vocal cords and diverticulitis due to exposure to herbicides or on a direct basis, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his arthritis of the left knee was not caused or made worse by his service-connected SFWs residuals.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disease of the thoracic spine, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not proximately due to his service-connected residuals of gunshot wound, Muscle Group II, with compound comminuted fracture of the sternum.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of VCAA provisions and because the claims for service connection for rectal bleeding, heat stroke residuals, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are intertwined.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a powered wheelchair, citing insufficient medical records and failing to provide adequate VCAA notice.