Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a gonococcus infection, including loss of a creative organ due to new and material evidence. However, further development is needed before making a decision on the merits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for cold injuries to both feet. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for squamous papilloma of the bilateral true vocal cords and diverticulitis due to exposure to herbicides or on a direct basis, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his arthritis of the left knee was not caused or made worse by his service-connected SFWs residuals.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disease of the thoracic spine, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not proximately due to his service-connected residuals of gunshot wound, Muscle Group II, with compound comminuted fracture of the sternum.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of VCAA provisions and because the claims for service connection for rectal bleeding, heat stroke residuals, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are intertwined.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a powered wheelchair, citing insufficient medical records and failing to provide adequate VCAA notice.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for residuals of cold injuries to the right and left feet have been granted, with a rating of 30 percent each since January 12, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for impotence and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for residuals of prostate cancer, finding that there was no evidence of penis deformity or metastasis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability warrants a 50 percent rating, effective from the date of his original claim in June 1980.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain in the right knee with ligamentous laxity, and denied any request for an increased evaluation for degenerative joint changes. The current effective date is not specified.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of evidence showing negligence or fault on the part of VA in providing care, and found that the lower facial numbness was not caused by improper treatment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and considering the appropriate rating criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right hand disorder, characterized by avulsion fracture of the distal tip of the right fifth finger and a fracture of the mid and proximal shaft of the right fourth metacarpal with nerve damage to the dorsal cutaneous branch of the right ulnar nerve, is not more than moderate incomplete paralysis as contemplated by Diagnostic Code 8516. Therefore, the claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for basic eligibility for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code due to his failure to meet all of the criteria.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal disorder and sebaceous cysts on the upper back and chest, finding no evidence of such conditions in service or for many years thereafter.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right calf disorder and service connection for bilateral hip and knee disorders as secondary to that condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a temporary total rating due to postoperative convalescence following left knee surgery in October 1999, finding that the surgery was not related to his service-connected chondromalacia patella and instead resulted from an unrelated work injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral defective hearing, finding that there was no evidence of chronic hearing loss during his military service and concluding that it is not at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for keratosis piloris, finding no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within presumptive periods. The Board also found no medical nexus linking the condition to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.