Other conditions Board decisions

The VA determined that the appellant's duodenal ulcer disease, which results in moderate disability with occasional severe episodes of pain and nausea/vomiting, does not warrant a higher rating than the current 20 percent.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected partial right pneumothorax, finding that his disability does not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain a comprehensive medical opinion concerning the merits of the current claim, which includes a discussion of the alleged contributions of the service-connected tinnitus and/or hearing loss, and anxiety disorder, to the veteran's death from a heart attack. The RO is also advised that they must ensure all available development actions are completed in compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his fatal heart condition was not related to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of pelvic radiation therapy for localized adenocarcinoma of the left lobe of the prostate are rated as noncompensably disabling, and a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Board found that the appellant is not entitled to VA death benefits as a surviving spouse of the veteran due to the existence of a valid divorce decree.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a dental disorder due to mercury exposure, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have any claim for periodic monetary VA benefits pending at his death, and thus no unpaid benefits remained due. As a result, the appellant's claim for accrued benefits was denied.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the hands and a compensable evaluation for otitis media with perforated tympanic membrane, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the service-connected impairment of sphincter control, finding that occasional involuntary bowel movements necessitating the wearing of a pad meet the criteria for this rating. The veteran's condition does not warrant a higher evaluation as there is no evidence of extensive leakage or frequent involuntary bowel movements.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a left varicocelectomy, finding that there was no basis to award a compensable rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board denied reopening the claim of service connection for a right leg and right sacroiliac joint disorder, but granted it on a de novo basis. The decision found that the preexisting condition was not aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by malnutrition and beriberi, which are presumed to have been incurred during his service as a POW. As such, the cause of the veteran's death is considered service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for claimed fracture residuals of the left tibia, finding that his fall was not due to any special zone of danger or action/inaction on VA's part during hospitalization.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his service-connected bronchiectasis with residuals of pneumonia did not contribute substantially or materially to his death and there was no evidence of myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease during service.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a stomach disorder (claimed as gastric ulcer) during service or within one year after separation, and the veteran's current condition does not appear to be related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for generalized arthritis and a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of left knee and thigh gunshot wound is denied. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The VA has granted service connection for bilateral Achilles tendonitis and assigned a noncompensable rating, which the veteran is appealing.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.