Other conditions Board decisions

The VA has granted a higher initial rating for the veteran's service-connected atrial fibrillation, currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected shell fragment wound to the right hand is being remanded due to new evidence and issues identified by the Court. The RO must ensure full compliance with the VCAA, consider Muscle Group IX involvement, and address separate compensable ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5003 and 5010.

The veteran's claim for a total evaluation based on individual unemployability resulting from service-connected back problems was granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not file a claim for service connection for a thoracic spine disability prior to June 16, 2000. Therefore, an effective date earlier than June 16, 2000 cannot be granted.

The veteran's service connection claim for primary myelofibrosis is granted as there is evidence linking the condition to his military service, specifically exposure to benzene while working in aircraft and helicopters.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability, characterized by spondylolysis at L4-5 with herniated nucleus pulposus and mild nerve root compression, was found to warrant a higher evaluation of 60 percent based on severe intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for keloids. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development of the evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right eye problems are attributable to an inservice right eye injury, and therefore service connection for residuals of a right eye injury is granted.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also recognized her as the surviving spouse of the veteran for purposes of VA benefits.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his failure to file a timely substantive appeal regarding the issue of service connection for residuals of parasitic infections of digestive tract and diarrhea.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a head injury should be granted, as it is found to be directly related to his in-service head trauma.

The Board is remanding the case due to changes in the law and the need for additional notification and development action.

The Board granted a 30 percent disability rating for the residuals of cold injury to the right foot and left foot, effective from January 12, 1998. The veteran's service connection claim for osteoporosis as secondary to cold injuries was not addressed in this decision.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral foot disorder was a congenital condition that existed prior to service and thus rebutted the presumption of soundness at entry. The Board concluded that the disability did not pre-exist service or become worse during service, leading to denial of service connection.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 40 percent for the veteran's residuals of stroke, incomplete paralysis of the right upper extremity and right lower extremity. The rating for the right side of the face remains at 10 percent.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for a nervous condition, which was previously denied in August 1991. The new evidence includes testimony from the veteran at an RO hearing and reports of VA treatment dated from 1996.

The Board found that the veteran's right pubic ramus stress fracture does not warrant a compensable rating under VA's rating criteria, and thus denied her claim for an increased disability rating.

The RO terminated the veteran's additional disability compensation benefits for his spouse, K. L., effective December 1, 1987, due to her divorce from him.,The RO granted retroactive additional disability compensation benefits for his new wife, K. A., effective August 1, 1991.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a legal issue, and the veteran's claim of service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil is being reconsidered.

The Board denied an initial disability rating greater than 10 percent for arthritis of the bilateral talonavicular, calo-cuboid, and subtalar joints as there was no evidence of limitation of motion or incapacitating exacerbations.