Other conditions Board decisions

The VA has granted a higher evaluation of 20 percent for the service-connected neuralgia of the long thoracic nerve, effective March 2002.

The veteran's residuals of a Staph infection, including the loss of sternal bone and chest muscles, did not result from VA negligence in providing treatment. The Board finds that the claim must be denied.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral foot disability was not incurred during her active duty service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's back injury and arthritis were not incurred or aggravated by service, including reserve component service. The pre-existing condition was determined to be unrelated to active duty in 1990-1991.

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 claims for an increased rating for his service-connected epididymitis and service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability evaluation or service connection based on direct service connection.

The veteran was granted service connection for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) on the Housebound criteria effective April 29, 1996. The effective date for CLL is also set to this date.

The Board is remanding the case to address whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a neck injury, including degenerative changes.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for narcolepsy with hypnogogic hallucinations, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied because his service period was less than 90 days and he did not have a disability that would justify a discharge from service.

The veteran's widow is seeking an effective date prior to August 27, 1999 for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits. The case has been remanded due to the appellant wishing a Travel Board hearing.

The VA has determined that the veteran's dysthymic disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating than 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VCAA notice and for further development.

The appellant is not entitled to reinstatement of VA death pension benefits as the law does not provide for such reinstatement.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left foot disability was denied. The Board found that the medical evidence did not support a compensable rating due to lack of objective findings and no additional loss of function.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a jaw/gumline disability, residuals of a broken nose, and an increased rating for peptic ulcer disease. The claim for service connection for a deviated nasal septum was granted.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to head and neck cancer, which was not shown to be associated with exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange). The cancer was found to have been caused by a new condition that arose after service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left groin with fibromyositis and retained foreign body is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The veteran's last marriage to the appellant ended in divorce, and he subsequently remarried. The appellant is not recognized as his surviving spouse for purposes of DIC benefits.

The Board finds that the veteran's peripheral vascular disease and amputations are related to his in-service cold weather injury, but service connection is granted on a direct basis.