Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the reduction of the combined disability rating for the veteran's residuals of combat wounds to the abdomen and chest from 30% to 20%, effective June 1, 2000, was not proper. The combined 30% rating is restored.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for deep venous thrombosis of the right popliteal vein, finding that there was no basis for a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current respiratory disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a residual of exposure to Agent Orange and also denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his left lower extremity disability.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there is no evidence to support the claim that the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder caused or contributed to his heart condition.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant. As a result, there are no specific errors of fact or law to review.

The Board granted a higher rating of 40 percent for the service-connected muscular myalgia, finding that the veteran's symptoms were constant and refractory to treatment.

The Board found that the veteran's current gastrointestinal disability did not begin in service and is not otherwise attributable to service. The VA treatment records do not support a link between his exposure to tear gas during service and his current condition.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his stomach problems, including adenocarcinoma of the stomach, were related to service or exposure to Agent Orange. The preponderance of the evidence is against a relationship between any post-service stomach problem and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death due to degenerative debility, finding that it was not related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint and disc disease, is not related to his period of service. The scoliosis was first demonstrated in 1944 during service.

The Board found no evidence of a current chronic respiratory disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertensive vascular disease warranted a 10 percent rating, as his blood pressure readings did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for pain in his right buttock, finding no relationship between the injection received during active service and current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied a higher rating for the earlobe cysts and an earlier effective date, maintaining the current 10 percent evaluation since September 20, 1993.

The veteran's service-connected compression fracture of the thoracic spine at T-11 with wedge deformity is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that there are no neurological manifestations and no ankylosis, thus denying a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic gastritis with peptic ulcer disease effective January 31, 1997 and assigned a 40% evaluation.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, as the additional medical evidence did not provide a more complete picture of the circumstances surrounding the original injury or relate current disability to qualifying service.