Other conditions Board decisions

The veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for service-connected pericarditis is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease have not met the criteria for a higher rating at any time during the period under review. The residuals of his fracture of the right little finger also do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Service connection for periodontal disease is denied.

The veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of hallux rigidus, with degenerative joint disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joints in both feet are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted for his left foot.

The Board found that the appellant knowingly submitted false statements in her November 2000 affidavit and April 2001 written statement, leading to a forfeiture of VA benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 6103(a).

The veteran is granted service connection for traumatic mydriasis of the right eye and assigned a 10% initial evaluation for his service-connected right thumb disability. The claims for higher evaluations for other disabilities remain in contention.

The VA right lung surgery in November 2000 did not result in any additional disability, and the veteran's pain is attributed to the surgical removal of his right fifth rib. The Board finds that there was no negligence or fault on VA's part.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not have malaria during service and there is no evidence of current residuals. The claim for service connection for malaria is denied.

The veteran's death from metastatic pancreatic cancer was not caused by service, herbicide exposure, or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for anal fissures with rectal bleeding and pericarditis as there is no competent evidence of current chronic disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right inguinal hernia, with scar.

The Board found no full-body exposure to mustard gas and denied the veteran's claim for service connection of a cardiopulmonary disorder due to presumed exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 as there was no evidence of a surgical procedure at VA that caused his overbite and jaw injury.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the service-connected inguinal hernia and found no evidence of stomach ulcers related to service. The issue of service connection for stomach ulcers is remanded.

The Board has ordered additional development to clarify the veteran's service connection for the cause of death, obtain relevant medical records, and determine if there is a link between the veteran's suicide and his military service.

The veteran is granted service connection for a dental condition for the purpose of obtaining one-time treatment.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for an initial compensable rating for the surgical removal of his right testicle, finding that his left testicle remains functional and does not qualify him for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7524.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for onychomycosis of the toenails and an increased disability rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of dental trauma, finding that there is no evidence of dental trauma during service. As a result, the veteran cannot qualify for VA outpatient dental treatment.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for tongue cancer, claimed as larynx cancer, due to presumed exposure to herbicides. However, the claim remains denied because there is no evidence of a current disability or that it was incurred in service.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection for cause of death.