Other conditions decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date of January 18, 1994 for her service connection and compensation for multiple disabilities. The decision states that the earliest claim was received on March 11, 1994, more than a year after service.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected postoperative varicose veins of the left leg is being remanded due to incomplete development. The RO must conduct a VA examination and readjudicate the case.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected right knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right and left knee disabilities warrant separate 10 percent evaluations, as they are manifestations of patellofemoral syndrome with chondromalacia. The current evidence does not support a higher rating based on additional functional impairment or other criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left calf warrant an increased disability rating to 30 percent, effective from May 1995.

The veteran's right hip arthritis and post-surgery status were rated at 30 percent prior to the surgery, but a 100 percent rating is granted for one year following his total hip replacement.

The Board denied service connection for hydrocephalus and granted a noncompensable rating for residuals of a head injury, finding that the veteran's hydrocephalus was not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a fractured sesamoid bone of the left foot warrant a 20 percent evaluation, which is higher than the current 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that a rating of 30 percent for chondromalacia of the right knee is warranted from and after June 16, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for carcinoma of the lower lip, claiming it was not well grounded. The evidence did not show that the veteran developed a nicotine addiction or that his lip cancer was related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a urinary retention disorder, finding no current disability and concluding that any previous symptoms were not related to service.

The Board has determined that it does not have jurisdiction to decide the eligibility for payment of attorney fees from past-due benefits, as addressed by the Court's decision in Scates v. Gober.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of tuberculous pleurisy, finding that he failed to report for a required VA examination aimed at determining whether he had current, disabling residuals of tuberculous pleurisy.

The Board has determined that it does not have jurisdiction to decide the eligibility for direct payment of attorney fees from past-due benefits, and thus dismisses this matter.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that his claim was not supported by cognizable evidence demonstrating it is plausible or capable of substantiation.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for chondromalacia of the right knee, effective from the date of service connection.

The Board found no competent evidence linking the veteran's current skin lesions of the neck to his service, and denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD), is well-grounded. The case will be remanded to allow for further development and consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion on whether the service-connected chronic anxiety reaction may have aggravated the veteran's cardiovascular or pulmonary disabilities, which could potentially lead to service connection for the cause of death.