Other conditions decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left hand injury affecting Muscle Group IX do not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure and denied his claim. The back injury issue is pending as there are no VA medical records available for review.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection as his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome did not have its onset during military service and there is no evidence linking it to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's single service-connected disability, residuals of duodenal ulcer with subtotal gastrectomy, rated as 60 percent disabling, does not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's aortic valve disease did not meet the criteria for a 100% rating prior to May 8, 2001. The effective date of the 100% rating is therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for chronic pleural effusion, finding no evidence linking his current respiratory conditions to military service or exposure to asbestos.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a pre-service and post-service occupational history from the veteran, information surrounding his asbestos-related lawsuit, and information regarding his exposure to asbestos during service. A pulmonary examination is also required.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lower back pain and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disability. The veteran was found not to have a current lower back disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to VA death pension benefits due to her husband's lack of qualifying service. The claim for accrued benefits remains pending and must be remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's chronic dermatophytosis, bilateral feet. The evidence showed that at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the veteran's entire body was affected by his dermatophytosis.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 30, 2001 for the reinstatement of DIC benefits. The appellant's claim was received on that date and she requested reinstatement of her DIC benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease, finding that there was no evidence of a current condition related to military service or mustard gas exposure.

The veteran's request for reimbursement of the cost of a chair lift, which was approved by VA to offset the cost of an elevator he purchased, is being reviewed due to lack of supporting documentation.

The veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated appropriately, with the exception of his right buttock condition which is currently rated at 20%.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of surgical fusion of C4-C5 do not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a thorough examination of the appellant's pulmonary function and consideration of his Social Security records.

The Board found that the veteran's symptoms of body aches and pains, shaking spells, and chest pain have not been linked to service or an undiagnosed illness. The claims were denied as there was no evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of nicotine dependence and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound to the right buttock, currently rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's son, [redacted], was permanently incapable of self-support due to a schizoaffective disorder and has been since attaining the age of 18 years. The appeal is granted as his son qualifies as a 'helpless child' for VA purposes on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support.