Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to new and material evidence submitted since the last denial. The cause of death was determined to be an enterocaval fistula due to peptic ulcer disease, with cardiac air embolism as a contributing factor.

The veteran's somatoform disorder NOS with RSD, rated as 70 percent disabling from September 1, 1992, has been granted a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by his exposure to asbestos during service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The veteran's infertility, due to service-connected amenorrhea, results in loss of use of a creative organ (ovaries), qualifying her for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The veteran's dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease were rated at 20 percent disabling from August 11, 1993 to May 29, 1995.,From August 1, 1995, the veteran's disability was rated at 40 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disability, chronic fatigue, and gastrointestinal disability. The gastrointestinal disability is not considered due to an undiagnosed illness or a qualifying chronic multisymptom illness as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a permanent and total rating for pension purposes due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board found that the appellant's pension benefits were properly terminated effective December 1, 1999 due to excessive income. The decision was based on her receipt of Social Security benefits and an inheritance.

The veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of cold injury is being remanded due to scheduling issues.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a pulmonary disorder, claimed as a residual of asbestos exposure due to lack of evidence showing current disability related to in-service asbestos exposure.

The veteran's service-connected seronegative spondylitis is manifested by pain and severe limitation of motion in the cervical and lumbar spinal segments, warranting a 40 percent rating for limitation of motion in the lumbar spine and a 30 percent rating for limitation of motion of the cervical spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected status post excision of ganglion cyst, right ring finger does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under either the former or amended rating criteria. As such, the claim is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residuals of a fracture of the right fifth metacarpal, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation than the current 10 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation by reason of being in need of aid and attendance or on account of being housebound is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA ophthalmology examination to determine if the veteran's macular degeneration is related to service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal of the issue regarding an automobile allowance prior to the Board's decision being finalized.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is able to perform all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's dermatofibroma of the right leg is related to exposure to Agent Orange during service. The veteran's claim for service connection remains pending.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected left leg disability and denied service connection for a back disorder as secondary to his left leg disability. The veteran is not entitled to either benefit.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to report for a scheduled examination, resulting in the abandonment of his original claim. The RO did not commit clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in denying the claims.