Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the appellant's speech disorder pre-existed service and was not aggravated by any incident during his short period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected herniated intervertebral disc, L5-S1 was dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her chondromalacia of the right patella, finding that she was not entitled to a compensable rating prior to June 9, 2003 and did not meet criteria for higher ratings from that date onward.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of fracture of the thoracic spine are manifested by complaints of pain, with functional ability comparable to range of motion in excess of 30 degrees forward flexion. The disability is rated at 20 percent based on definite limited motion or muscle spasm.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a new VA examination to determine if the veteran currently suffers from a chronic gynecological disability and whether it is related to her active duty service.

The VA determined that the veteran's muscle strain of the right rhomboid and trapezius muscles warrants a 20 percent evaluation, effective from August 22, 2001. The condition does not meet criteria for higher evaluations based on severity or other service connection theories.

The veteran's case is being remanded for a new hearing before another Veterans Law Judge at the RO due to the previous judge ceasing employment with the Board.

The Board found no evidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus during service or within one year after discharge, and the most persuasive medical opinion did not support a connection between the current condition and service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's cerebrovascular accident was not caused by VA treatment and is not related to his service-connected PTSD. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 or for service connection.

The veteran's right fifth metacarpal fracture residuals are productive of decreased grip strength, decreased right hand function, and limitation of motion of the third, fourth, and fifth fingers. The disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating as it is not ankylosis or amputation.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic disability manifested by fatigue or sleep disturbance, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board found that there was no evidence showing a service connection for the cause of death, and thus denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left eye condition and an increased rating for right eye pterygium, as well as a claim for a 10% rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The decision found no evidence of a current left eye condition or loss of vision related to his service-connected right eye pterygium.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any chronic residuals from mononucleosis, which was resolved during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to a possible discharge in bankruptcy and to determine if an overpayment of death pension benefits is valid.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected herniated intervertebral disc, L5-S1 was denied by the Board. The evidence did not show pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has granted service connection for spondylolisthesis and remanded the secondary service connection claim for further development.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the surviving spouse of the veteran for VA benefits purposes, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of D-3 compression fracture was denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent disability rating based on moderate limitation of motion of the cervical spine, but this decision is now considered invalid due to regulatory changes effective September 26, 2003.