Other conditions decisions — 2007

The veteran's death was caused by VA hospital care in June 2000, and the proximate cause of his death was an unforeseeable event. The Board finds that DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected dysthymia, finding that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the appellant may not be recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of entitlement to certain VA death benefits, including DIC and DEA benefits. The claim is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for duodenal ulcer and status-post lumbar strain with degenerative change and residual pain and limitation of motion, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The veteran's service-connected pain disorder, associated with psychological factors, is not rated higher than 50 percent prior to November 6, 1996 and not at all since that date.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer disease, status post vagotomy with pyeloplasty, and irritable colon syndrome does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent. The left shoulder impingement issue is also denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for a skin disorder, but finds that the evidence does not support granting this claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability of the hands, finding that it is not related to Agent Orange exposure or cold weather injury and is not secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board found that the veteran's left leg disorder, including venous insufficiency, is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has granted a 20% rating for the veteran's service-connected upper back strain, effective from September 26, 2003.

The VA determined that the veteran does not suffer from insomnia or memory loss, and such symptoms do not have an origin in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for service-connected back pain with radicular leg pain as he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The VA granted a 10 percent disability evaluation for the veteran's chemical burns of the right arm, effective June 15, 2006. The evaluation is in excess of what was initially requested.

The veteran's service-connected right leg and thigh muscle disabilities are currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluations.,An initial compensable evaluation for his right leg scar is granted, while a higher evaluation for his right thigh scar remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's hemangioma of the face and lip, finding that it was aggravated by his military service. The condition is considered a congenital disorder as likely as not aggravated by service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current lung disorder or nervous condition to his service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's traumatic arthritis of the right knee does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as it only meets criteria for limitation of extension (10 degrees with pain and repetitive use).

The Board has determined that the veteran did not sustain dental trauma during service, and therefore cannot establish service connection for the purpose of obtaining VA outpatient dental treatment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury. The veteran's current back disorder is not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of residuals of a back injury, due to new evidence submitted.