Other conditions Board decisions

The VA has granted an increased evaluation of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected low back disability effective July 6, 1998. The rating was then raised to 60 percent on October 31, 2000.

The veteran's initial ratings for bilateral metatarsalgia and tarsal tunnel syndrome were denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for the veteran's right hand and left hand injuries, effective from July 16, 1999.

The Board is reopening the claim based on new and material evidence. However, further development is needed before adjudicating the merits of the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's T-7 paraplegia with neurogenic bowel and bladder resulted from VA medical treatment for cardiac arrest in November 1994, and this additional disability is compensable under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment benefits was denied because he does not meet the eligibility requirements under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing at the New York RO, and will return it to the Board after that.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of heat exhaustion. The veteran's inservice episodes of heat exhaustion are now considered as potentially related to his current recurring heat exhaustion.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a disability manifested by impairment of vision due to disease or injury incurred in service, and it is not related to any service-connected disability including hypertension or coronary artery disease. Therefore, service connection for this condition was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for residuals of acute catarrhal jaundice. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including VA records from March 2001 to June 2002, which indicated no current residual conditions related to the veteran's service-connected yellow jaundice in 1942, the Board concludes that there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of residuals. Therefore, the claim for service connection remains denied.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examinations to determine the nature and extent of the veteran's service-connected peptic ulcer disease, as well as his employability. The case will be returned to the RO for these purposes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, finding no medical evidence to support a causal link between his current condition and either service or his service-connected pyelitis.

The Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of postoperative residuals of bilateral bunions. The VA doctor's opinion supports the conclusion that the veteran's bunions increased in severity during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for an examination to determine if the veteran's current right hand disability is related to his service.

The Board has determined that gum disease, which is not a compensable disability under VA law, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and therefore denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for restoration of additional compensation for a dependent spouse lacks legal merit and is therefore denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a bipartite right patella and memory loss, finding that these conditions are not disabilities resulting from disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration of whether the overpayment was properly created, including obtaining a current financial status report from the veteran.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of death due to new and material evidence. However, further development is needed as VA records are required to determine the cause of death and whether the veteran was entitled to compensation prior to his death. The issue of entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right thigh shrapnel injury, finding that the residuals consist of moderately severe functional loss of underlying muscle.