Other conditions decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal on his claim for a higher evaluation for postoperative residuals of cataract extraction from the right eye has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and requests for Social Security Administration records.

The veteran's multiple lipomata, which were evaluated as 30 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7819 (as in effect prior to August 30, 2002), have not met the criteria for a higher rating during the period from October 2, 1990, to August 29, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for chronic recurrent prostatitis with transurethral resection of the prostate and epididymo-orchitis, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has granted the veteran's increased ratings for right and left hip disorders, and also granted service connection for atrial fibrillation based on new evidence. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of cold injuries to the feet and hands, ears, and nose as there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The veteran's death was not service-connected due to a disease attributable to tobacco use during service. The coronary artery disease, which contributed to his death, was also service-connected based on nicotine dependence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected skin condition. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for spondylolisthesis with spondylolysis of L5 and S1, finding that new evidence did not present a basis to reopen the claim. The decision also noted that the veteran had previously been denied service connection in 1972.

The Board found no evidence of a current bladder tumor or chronic urinary tract infections and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board denied the veteran's request to restore service connection for ulcer disease, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented.

The veteran's service-connected disability of residuals of gunshot wound, amputation with limitation of motion in elbow joint does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for reinstatement of VA recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse, finding that she did not meet the requirements due to her remarriage and subsequent divorce.

The Board found no evidence of a left hand, little finger disability during or after service and denied the claim for service connection.

The appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA non-service-connected pension benefits was denied as he does not have qualifying service for purposes of VA pension benefits.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's disability rating from 10 percent to noncompensable was proper and dismissed his appeal.

The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected costochondritis does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a traveling Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). The veteran's appeal is related to his claims of service connection for periodontal gum disease, skin condition, and systemic sclerosis, as well as reopening his claim for gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for eligibility for Chapter 30 educational assistance beyond April 4, 2003. The decision is based on the termination of his eligibility period due to periods of in-service absence.