Other conditions decisions — 2005

The VA denied increased evaluations for the veteran's bilateral phlebitis of the lower extremities, secondary to varicose veins. The current evaluation of 60 percent remains unchanged.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by VA medical care, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the request to reopen the claim of service connection for left eye blindness.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized by limited range of motion and degenerative joint disease, does not warrant a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for more severe evaluations under relevant diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right cubital tunnel syndrome, which was granted service connection for in May 2001, warrants a disability rating of 30 percent and not higher. The symptoms have been consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disability and an initial compensable evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the fourth finger of the left hand, finding that his eye disorder preexisted service and was not aggravated therein.

The Board has granted service connection for a mood disorder, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and thus favoring the veteran's claim.

The veteran's dental problems are not service-connected for compensation purposes due to the regulations prohibiting such connection for replaceable missing teeth or periodontal disease.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for bilateral shin splints, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's dysthymic disorder with obsessive/compulsive disorder was granted a 70 percent evaluation effective May 24, 2004.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death was not related to his military service or exposure to herbicides, and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain missing medical records and determine the appellant's current address for any future hearings. The appeal is currently on hold until these actions are completed.

The veteran's claims for service connection for injury residuals to the hands, arms, hips, legs, and toes are denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for mycosis fungoides, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that the disability increased to such level within one year prior to February 15, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information provided by the appellant regarding her claim for service connection for the cause of death of her husband. The appellant needs to provide evidence that would substantiate her claims in accordance with the provisions of the VCAA.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen his eligibility for VA benefits due to lack of new and material evidence. The appeal was not about service connection, but rather whether he met basic eligibility requirements.

The veteran's appeals for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and jaw, basal cell carcinoma, and post-traumatic stress disorder were dismissed due to a lack of specific error in the determination being appealed.

The veteran's claim for service connection for fungus was denied. His claim for an initial compensable evaluation for malaria was granted, but the RO did not provide a rating or effective date.

The veteran's neurogenic bladder is rated at the maximum of 30 percent, and his nephrolithiasis does not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a laceration of the right index finger are productive of weakness and deformity, but full range of motion. The RO had already assigned a noncompensable rating based on orthopedic manifestations. Beginning February 22, 2005, the disability is also shown to involve sensory nerve damage producing minimal deficit, warranting an additional 10 percent rating for neurological manifestations.