Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, finding no evidence to support a direct relationship between the condition and the veteran's military service.

The veteran's application for enrollment in the VA healthcare system was denied as he does not have any service-connected disabilities and is assigned to priority group 8, which is ineligible for enrollment under the applicable regulation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left ring finger fracture are service-connected, based on continuity of symptomatology from service.

The Board has remanded the case for further review due to new evidence submitted by the appellant and additional requirements under regulations.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a dental condition due to in-service dental trauma and is therefore not eligible for VA treatment based on this claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right hallux valgus, finding that her condition is asymptomatic and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the veteran's stiff-man syndrome was not incurred in or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicides. The evidence did not support a finding of connection between his current condition and military service.

The Board found that the veteran's sleep disorder is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board found that the veteran's dysthymia did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as it did not cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in loss of use of his lower extremities, which qualifies him for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and/or adaptive equipment.

The Board found that it was not factually ascertainable prior to June 7, 2004 that the veteran had degenerative joint disease in his left elbow. Therefore, an effective date earlier than June 7, 2004 for a 10 percent rating for the degenerative joint disease of the left elbow is denied.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his small bowel disability was granted, but he remains denied service connection for residuals of cold injury.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the left middle finger and remanded the issue of an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the left middle finger.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not a 'child' of the veteran for purposes of VA death benefits, and thus the claim is denied.

The Board found that the residuals of the right ring finger injury, characterized by ankylosis and osteoarthritic changes with associated pain and swelling, do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The veteran's application for vocational rehabilitation and employment services was denied as he did not qualify for an extension beyond the basic period of eligibility due to his failure to apply within the required timeframe.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right acromioclavicular joint arthrosis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on current range of motion findings.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an apportionment of the veteran's VA compensation benefits, finding that no apportionment was warranted due to the divorce and the veteran providing support through a lump sum alimony payment.