Other conditions decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for residuals of circumcision is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his abrasions after intercourse and masturbation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for a postoperative left inguinal hernia as there was no evidence of recurrence or need for a truss, and thus the current noncompensable rating assigned is appropriate.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for spouse's benefits is being remanded due to the need for compliance with VCAA notice and assistance provisions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for educational benefits beyond the delimiting date of October 1, 2002, as he did not use his entitlement during that period.

The veteran died due to multiple traumatic injuries as a result of blunt force trauma. The Board found that his death was not caused by any service-connected disability.

The Board found that the appellant's deceased spouse did not have recognized active service in the United States Armed Forces, and thus denied the claim for VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further development of the claim.

The Board found that the veteran's current TMJ syndrome is likely related to her service, including a car accident and premature termination of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, the Board granted service connection for TMJ syndrome.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a crush injury to left ring finger, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen a claim of entitlement to recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of VA benefits. The appellant was not provided proper notification regarding her rights under the VCAA.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, as certified by the National Personnel Records Center.

The veteran's claim for an extraschedular evaluation for non-obstructive myocardiopathy with angina is being remanded due to the need for compliance with VCAA notification requirements.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied because he did not serve during a period of war, specifically in the Republic of Vietnam.

The veteran withdrew his appeal of the increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic bursitis, flexor tendons of the first and second toes, right foot prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of in-service exposure to chemicals, including a lung disorder. The veteran's claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for nicotine dependence incurred in active service. The claim for an increased evaluation for COPD and the secondary service connection claim for a cardiovascular disability are pending.

The Board found that the veteran did not submit new and material evidence to reopen his claim of service connection for conjunctivitis, which had previously been denied in 1968.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, which was previously denied in February 1990. The claim will now be reviewed on its merits.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including nightmares, sleeplessness, and a skin rash, are denied as they lack legal merit due to the absence of diagnosed disabilities or evidence that these conditions are related to military service. The veteran is not entitled to service connection under provisions applicable to undiagnosed illnesses or direct service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a right eye cataract is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an updated medical opinion and ensuring proper VCAA notification.