Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold injury to his feet and for reopening his claim regarding right ankle and foot injuries due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of arthritis of multiple joints, finding that there was no medical evidence suggesting a link between his disability and service.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for lower back strain was granted, with a 10 percent disability rating effective February 10, 1999. The claims to reopen previously denied neck and knee disorders were also granted.

The veteran's son is not eligible for VA educational assistance benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code due to the appellant reaching his 26th birthday before the effective date of a permanent and total disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right fifth finger disability, finding that the effective date could not be earlier than May 2, 1997, when it became factually ascertainable that he had increased disability due to this condition. The current rating of 10% is maintained.

The Board has granted increased evaluations for degenerative joint disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, with a combined evaluation of 20 percent.

The veteran's initial rating for right-sided facial weakness was granted at a 10 percent level, effective July 1, 1992. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of low-tension glaucoma remains pending.

The VA has denied an increased rating for prostatitis, currently rated at 10 percent. The veteran's condition is characterized by nocturia (urinating one to two times per night) but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as defined in the rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and arranging for a VA dermatology examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lymphoproliferative disorder is related to his exposure to herbicides during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of a reaction to medication causing an additional disability, and thus denied the appellant's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for aortic valvular stenosis. The veteran's heart condition is presumed to have preexisted his military service but was aggravated by physical activities during basic training.

The Board has referred the creation issue to the RO for adjudication. The veteran's request for waiver of overpayment is remanded due to a need for further development and consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 1, 2000 for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance. The decision found that the veteran abandoned his November 1998 informal claim and did not provide VA with further evidence by November 1999.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete evidence and a need to clarify the disability claimed.

The Board found that the veteran does not require treatment for a duodenal ulcer or amebiasis, and thus denied his request for an increased rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected shrapnel wound to the left calf is being remanded due to inadequate examination and need for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to be recognized as a former prisoner of war, finding that his imprisonment by Japanese forces did not constitute being held as a prisoner of war.

The veteran's claims for service connection for stomach disorder and ulcers are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from various hospitals where he was treated during his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed residuals of a broken arm are not related to his period of active military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.