Other conditions decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability and denied both his claim for service connection for the cause of his death and his claim for non-service connected death pension benefits.

The VA determined that the veteran's shell fragment wound residuals of the right forearm more nearly approximated moderately severe impairment with appreciable functional loss and weakness from diminished grip strength.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a chronic acquired colon disorder to include amebiasis in service and the veteran did not provide sufficient medical nexus between his current condition and service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left leg disorder.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not have service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army in the service of the United States Armed Forces, and therefore is denied eligibility for VA benefits.

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

The Board denied entitlement to death pension benefits as the veteran's service did not qualify for VA benefits under the applicable law.

The veteran's service-connected left and right tibia stress fractures with shin splints and patellofemoral pain have been rated as 10 percent disabling since May 7, 1998. The RO has granted a higher 20 percent rating for each leg effective from May 7, 1998.

The VA granted the appellant entitlement to DIC based on total disability due to service-connected disabilities for 10 years or more. The appeal is dismissed as the grant of DIC rendered the cause of death claim moot.

The Board has granted service connection for venous stasis as secondary to the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, finding that there is at least a 50% likelihood that the current condition is related to the prior injury.

The veteran's disability due to chronic pain syndrome with insomnia is manifested by chronic joint pain, insomnia, malaise, and occasional flu-like symptoms, all of which restrict routine daily activities almost completely. The Board finds that the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation under DC 6354 are met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of shell fragment wounds to the nose and sinuses, residuals of burns to the chest wall and upper back, and an increased rating for PTSD. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, but it is not clear whether any of the previously denied claims were related to service or if they contributed substantially to his death.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left leg disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's basal cell carcinoma of the skin is not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The veteran's rectal fissure and perirectal abscess are shown to be manifested by extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements, warranting a 60 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7332.

The RO is instructed to contact the U.S. Army Review Boards Agency and request copies of any decisions made regarding the appellant's claim for an upgrade of his discharge character, then readjudicate the issue on appeal.

The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence regarding the veteran's PTSD, including treatment records and a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's loss of balance is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim.