Other conditions decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for consideration of revised rating criteria, and potential referral for an extraschedular evaluation.

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's bilateral visual field loss, currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating of 10 percent for his service-connected chondromalacia patella of the right knee, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis did not manifest during service and is not related to any incident during service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's stomach disorder is found to be due to service, while his respiratory disorder is not considered a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to changes in the law and notification requirements.

The Board finds no evidence of soft tissue sarcoma or other malignancy, and the current diagnosis is morphea. There is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for morphea as claimed.

The VA determined that the veteran's postoperative residuals of a left inguinal herniorrhaphy do not currently show recurrent hernia and do not demonstrate the need for a truss, thus denying an increased rating.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic eye disorder in service or continuous symptoms thereafter, and there is no competent medical evidence linking the current eye disease to service. The veteran's assertions about exposure to aircraft exhaust were not supported by credible medical opinion.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, and thus denied the claim.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disability, including degenerative joint disease and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The appeal for an increased rating remains pending.

The VA has determined that the veteran's post-operative residuals of small bowel obstruction warrant a 30 percent disability rating, effective from the date service connection was granted.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for two injured discs in the neck, but denied the claim as there was no evidence that these injuries were incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board determined that the appellant did not have recognized service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including the recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces. Therefore, they denied his claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's breast cancer is not related to her exposure to ionizing radiation during service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death due to new and material evidence. The Board also ordered that a VA physician review the medical records to determine if the veteran's anxiety disorder, trichophytosis, residuals of malaria, or abdominal scars contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of gunshot wounds to the left buttock and arm are currently rated at their maximum levels, with no additional symptoms or manifestations that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for veteran status and benefits due to a lack of service in the United States Armed Forces.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's multiple orthopedic complaints, including osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, ischemia, neck problems, and spinal damage, as they are related to his prolonged diving experiences during military service. The claim for brain damage is denied due to lack of evidence showing a current disability.