Other conditions decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have active malaria or any residuals of malaria, such as liver or spleen damage. Therefore, a compensable evaluation for residuals of malaria cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the left ramus of the mandible do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right buttock wounds, finding that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for dysthymia, the maximum schedular rating available. The veteran's TDIU claim was denied as there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound (SFW) of the right hand is being remanded due to the need for further development, including VA examinations to assess neurological impairment and limitation of motion in the digits of his right hand.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a broken jaw in service and no competent medical evidence linking current residuals to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's varicose veins of the left leg do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a higher rate of special monthly compensation based on anatomical loss or loss of use of three extremities, finding that there was no evidence of continuous loss of use of the right hand since October 1, 1978.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking PSP to his active service and concluding that it did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The appellant requested a hearing before the Board, but due to her inability to travel, she requested a video conference hearing instead. The case is being remanded for scheduling this hearing.

The Board denied a claim for an increased rating for status post splenic/pancreatic injury, finding that the disability did not meet criteria warranting a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have colon polyps, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 14, 2000 for the assignment of a 30 percent disability evaluation for right bundle branch block with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal regarding his service connection claim for dental condition and eligibility for VA outpatient dental treatment due to lack of a compensable service-connected dental condition.

The Board denied an increased rating for varicocele of the left testicle, finding that there was no evidence of atrophy or loss of a testicle. The current 10% evaluation is maintained.

The Board has determined that the appellant's left foot metatarsalgia does not warrant a disability rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board denied the claims to reopen issues of service connection for gastritis and a functional heart murmur, as well as the issue of direct service connection for hemorrhoids. The veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder was reopened.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's calluses of both feet, finding that they have not worsened and do not meet criteria for a higher rating or extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of entitlement to service connection for a skin disorder and a prostate disorder, finding no competent medical evidence showing these conditions were related to his military service or any incident therein.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain a radiology report associated with an August 2001 VA examination and, if necessary, to order new X-rays or MRI tests of the veteran's right wrist and hand. The case will be remanded for further action.