Other conditions decisions — 2000

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of nonservice-connected death pension benefits, finding that no evidence was submitted indicating a claim prior to August 13, 1997.

The VA determined that the veteran's claim for service connection of a fungal infection was not well-grounded and thus denied it.

The Board has ordered additional development of the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury, including obtaining medical records from his active duty and reserve service as well as VA treatment records. The appeal is remanded to allow for further consideration.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for revocation of forfeiture of entitlement to death benefits previously declared against her, finding that the evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Board found that the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and for DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are not well grounded.

The veteran's claim of service connection for a left eye disorder as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus is well-grounded, and the appeal is granted. The veteran should be afforded another VA examination to clarify the likely etiology of his claimed eye disorder.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot disorder is denied. The claim of secondary service connection for the same condition based on his left great toe disability is not well grounded, and thus cannot be granted. His claims for increased evaluations are also not well grounded.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome (patellar chondromalacia), left, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of instability or subluxation.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the appellant is not eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation or educational assistance under Chapter 35.

The Board granted a TDIU on February 8, 2000. The attorney is eligible for payment of 20% of past-due benefits awarded to the veteran due to this decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by weakness and pain in the arms, finding that there is no evidence to support such a claim.

The Board found that the veteran's periodontal disease with tooth loss was not caused by VA prescription medication and denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected thoracic spine spondylosis warrants a 10 percent disability rating, as it is currently rated.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a penile rash and initial compensable evaluations for pseudofolliculitis barbae and acne keloiditis nuchae due to lack of evidence showing current disability, failure to report for scheduled VA examinations, and lack of continuity of symptoms from service.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have post-traumatic stress disorder and denied service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for traumatic encephalopathy, effective December 1, 1993. Attorney fees are now eligible from past-due benefits resulting from this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected right epididymitis, finding that the correct facts were before them and they applied the relevant laws and regulations correctly.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected depressive reaction was granted, with the effective date being December 23, 1998.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected left ankle fracture, finding that his current symptoms are due to the intercurrent injury and not related to his pre-existing condition.