Other conditions decisions — 2005

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to assess the severity of his varicose vein disabilities, including edema and post-operative scars.

The veteran's urinary tract problems associated with Hodgkin's disease were rated at various levels of disability from August 7, 1989 to May 28, 1999. The RO has not yet determined the appropriate evaluation for each period.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disorder and residuals of venereal disease, as well as his claim for an increased rating for residuals of kidney stones. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran died in March 1945 and did not have any service-connected disabilities at the time of his death. The claimant is therefore not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board found that the veteran's treatment for Lyme disease and cardiovascular disease did not result in additional disability, thus denying compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left optic nerve coloboma with amblyopia, as well as his increased disability ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, Reiter's syndrome, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to incomplete actions by the RO.

The RO denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right great toe, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The current 10 percent rating is the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for multiple lipomas prior to and after August 30, 2002 was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to recognition as the surviving spouse of the veteran for purposes of VA benefits due to a prior marriage and subsequent legal impediment.

The veteran's current right knee disability, including medial collateral ligament laxity, patellofemoral syndrome, and arthritis, is considered to be the result of an in-service injury. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for left ventricular hypertrophy since February 8, 2004. The veteran's condition from January 2, 2001 to February 7, 2004 did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and employment medical records. The veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer disease is being considered as a contributing factor to his death.

The RO's February 1995 decision denying service connection for PTSD was not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The claim was reopened based on new evidence, but the original denial remains.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury should be remanded due to issues related to representation and VCAA compliance.

The veteran's left ulnar nerve disability is rated at the maximum available, and no higher rating can be assigned due to the nature of his condition. The right radial neuropathy with scar is rated at 20 percent. The veteran has been granted a compensable rating for laceration scar of the left neck.

The veteran's service is not considered wartime, and thus does not meet the eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected VA pension benefits.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for glomerulonephritis with Goodpasture's syndrome was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disorder and residuals of left inguinal hernia, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right (major) middle and ring finger disability, which includes trigger release residuals and fracture residuals, warrants a 10 percent evaluation. The condition is currently manifested by pain, weakness, and limitation of motion.