Other conditions decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right foot condition was denied, and the claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to medication-induced tremors, anxiety/panic attacks, and depression was also denied.

The Board has determined that a VA Persian Gulf War examination is needed to determine the etiology of any disability manifested by dysphagia, regurgitation, and acid reflux (collectively identified as achalasia).

The Board found that the veteran's additional disability of the left lower extremity was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or error in judgment. The decision concluded that compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the appellant currently has any residual disability stemming from his July 12, 1987 injury.

The Board has ordered additional VA records to be obtained and a medical opinion regarding the classification of the veteran's cancer as a respiratory cancer. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for endometriosis and status-post operative hysterectomy, but denied her claim on the merits.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatism, also claimed as arthritis, based on new and material evidence. The issue is now considered on a de novo basis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural defects and the need for additional medical records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim seeking service connection for an arthritic condition. The reopened claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision below.

The Board denied the appellant's application to reopen her claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service and therefore does not meet the requirements for basic eligibility for VA benefits.

The VA determined that none of the veteran's service-connected conditions caused or contributed to his death.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a left leg disorder and granted a non-compensable rating for residuals of an asymptomatic left foot shell wound. The right foot disorders are not compensably rated as there is no evidence of any additional limitation of motion by pain, fatigue, or weakness.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds of the left hand are currently rated at 30 percent, and his right hand scars are rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board has determined that an increased rating to 40 percent for the left hand disability is warranted, while a 10 percent rating is granted for the right hand scars.

The VA has determined that the veteran's disability, status post lumbar surgery for herniated disc and spondylolisthesis, does not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent due to lack of incapacitating episodes or periods of acute signs and symptoms requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his right fifth finger disability and for an earlier effective date, as well as his claim for service connection for a kidney disorder with hypertension. The veteran's right little finger disability was found to be rated appropriately based on its current severity, and there is no evidence of pre-service or service-connected etiology for his kidney disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart and blood disorder, as well as residuals of accidental poisoning by inhalation of chlorobromomethane, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his gunshot wound residuals to the left arm was granted, with a 20 percent evaluation effective May 7, 2002. His claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for nerve damage and RSD of the left hand was also granted, with a 30 percent evaluation effective August 19, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for ear pain, gastrointestinal condition (initially claimed as sore throat), left shoulder condition, fatigue, and weight loss. The veteran's skin rash claim was previously denied but not reopened.