Other conditions decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right hip disability more closely approximates the criteria associated with a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5318, and therefore denied an increased rating.

The veteran's claim for non-service-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for updated financial information and further development of the record.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and a new psychiatric examination.

The Board found that the veteran's current digestive problems are not related to his in-service shrapnel wound, and thus denied service connection for abdominal pain, lactose intolerance, and partial organ loss.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, as it no longer has jurisdiction over the case.

The VA determined that there is no evidence linking the veteran's basil cell carcinoma of the right cheek and left forearm to service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further review, including a medical opinion from an oncologist regarding the cause of death and DIC benefits consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disorder is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of left hip fracture and avascular necrosis, finding that new evidence submitted since the final May 1994 decision bears directly on the merits of the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile pain as a manifestation of the service-connected left buttock scar. The claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for the service-connected left buttock scar with perineal pain is also granted.

The Board found that the sensory deficits in the median and radial nerve distributions in the right forearm and hand, following surgeries by VA to repair a right ulnar fracture, were not reasonably foreseeable. As such, the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's ALS and CREST syndrome were not service-connected, but there was a contribution to death from pulmonary fibrosis. The cause of death is listed as respiratory arrest due to or as a consequence of ALS.

The veteran's service-connected somatoform disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective June 20, 2000. The claim for an earlier effective date of July 26, 2001, remains denied.

The veteran died of hypertrophy of the heart, a condition not present until decades after service. Obesity was also noted as a significant contributing factor to his death. The Board denied both the claim for service connection for the cause of death and the eligibility for DEA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical records regarding the veteran's right inguinal hernia post-surgery, and for further development of his current rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial disability rating beyond 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for coccyodynia with surgical scar, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for a paid and due audit to determine if the overpayment was properly created, and whether waiver of recovery is appropriate.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disease, claimed as chest pain, did not have its onset in service or within one year after retirement and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hand disability, which includes neurological and orthopedic impairment resulting in numbness, decreased sensation, and decreased flexion of the index and long fingers, does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating than 30 percent.