Other conditions decisions — 2004

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his left little finger disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of an injury to the jaw and granted service connection for a right clavicle disability, but did not assign any initial evaluation.

The Board has granted the appellant's appeal, finding that he possesses the mental capacity to manage his own affairs and is therefore competent for VA purposes.

The veteran's appeal is about his current evaluation for hiatal hernia with peptic ulcer disease, which was increased from 10% to 30%. The RO has decided to remand the case due to additional development being necessary.

The veteran's pension benefits were amended based on additional income, leading to an overpayment. The case is being remanded for the RO to locate and associate a copy of the notification letter regarding the amount of the debt with his claims folder.

The Board found that a chronic prostate disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal, and therefore dismisses the case.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that there was no factual ascertainable increase in disability prior to November 8, 2001.

The Board determined that the veteran does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for VA pension benefits due to his peacetime service and did not serve in a period of war or the Republic of Vietnam.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of cancer of the larynx, concluding that it was not incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board found that the appellant did not meet the basic eligibility criteria for death benefits as a surviving spouse because she was not married to the veteran at the time of his death and held herself out as his wife.

The case is being remanded for further action as another pending issue may have an impact on the current appeal.

The veteran's claim for VA educational assistance benefits under either Chapter 30 or Chapter 32 was denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria for these programs.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right leg scar and bilateral defective hearing are denied. The RO is directed to complete further development as outlined in the remand instructions before adjudicating these issues again.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth, finding that there was no evidence linking his current disability to his military service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the service-connected loss of feeling to the right lower lip due to nerve damage, effective as of March 26, 1999.

The veteran is rated permanently and totally disabled for pension purposes, with a combined non-service-connected evaluation of 90 percent. He requires the aid and attendance of another person due to his leg fractures and other disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a retroactive monthly payment of $2969, stating that the rates of compensation benefits are set by Congress and cannot be changed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and a new VA examination to determine if any current foot disorders are related to exposure to cold weather in service.