Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's right leg disability is not proximately due to or caused by his service-connected left leg condition. The claim for a temporary total convalescence rating must be denied, and the increased evaluation of the service-connected chronic lymphedema of the left lower extremity remains at 30 percent.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the September 1985 rating decision that denied service connection for thrombophlebitis of the right leg, as the evidence did not support a finding of new or material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for neutropenia and skin rash, both claimed due to exposure to ionizing radiation. However, the claims are not granted as there is no evidence linking these conditions to active service or exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected Goodpasture's Syndrome, which affects his kidneys and lungs. The condition is rated under the provisions of the schedule that pertain to glomerulonephritis due to its impact on renal function.

The RO has determined that the appellant is entitled to special monthly pension based on her need for aid and attendance, effective from February 9, 1998. As a result, there is no longer an issue of fact or law before the Board regarding this claim.

The veteran's cause of death, cardiac failure due to myocardial infarction secondary to coronary insufficiency, was not related to his active duty service. The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's malaria to his death and concluded that it did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board found that the appellant's dental injury sustained in May 1970 was incurred in the line of duty and not due to his own willful misconduct.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for blurred vision, dry eyes, a back disability, and a right wrist disability was denied. The claim for service connection for blurred vision was previously denied in November 1994, and no new and material evidence has been presented to reopen this claim.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right ring and little fingers do not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent, as they lack one inch of being able to touch the palm at the median crease. The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis or amputation.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, concluding that there was no evidence linking his death to any condition incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's varicose veins of the left leg do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria, and thus denied his claim.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's residuals of a simple comminuted left femur fracture, currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his lung cancer to service or any other condition. The Board also found that he did not have exposure to Agent Orange during service and thus could not establish presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the appellant's anemia is not a radiogenic disease and there was no evidence of ionizing radiation exposure in service. The claim for service connection for macrocytic anemia claimed as myelodysplastic syndrome due to exposure to ionizing radiation is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, finding no residuals or current disability due to the eyelid problems diagnosed in service. The veteran's vision is essentially the same as his left eye, and there is no medical evidence of a current eye disorder resulting from disease or injury in service.

The VA determined that the veteran's memory loss was not caused by VA treatment in May 1995, and therefore denied her claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for pes cavus and left varicocele, finding that these conditions are service-connected based on direct evidence. The hearing impairment claim was not addressed as it did not meet VA compensation criteria.

The veteran's anal sphincter impairment and residuals of an in-service closed colostomy are currently rated at 50 percent, but the evidence shows significant interruption in both internal and external sphincter muscles resulting in impairment of sphincter control with symptoms equally well described as extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 60 percent is warranted based on these findings.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 26, 1994, for the assignment of a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected schizoaffective disorder.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for left patellofemoral dysfunction, finding that the veteran's disability warranted only a 20 percent evaluation.