Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death, ischemic encephalopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy, was not related to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The Board concluded that there is no evidence indicating a causal relationship between the service-connected condition and the veteran's death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Bell's palsy as there is no clinical evidence of current residuals related to a diagnosis in service.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's Hodgkin's disease evaluation from 100% to 30% was proper, effective June 1, 1999.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for ptosis of the left upper eyelid prior to May 16, 2002 and assigned separate 10 percent evaluations since then.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia of the right patella and sacroiliitis, finding that the evidence did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for memory loss and chest pain, finding that the veteran's claims were not well grounded due to a lack of available service medical records.

The Board dismissed the appeal because no timely notice of disagreement (NOD) was filed within one year of the denial of VA death benefits, and therefore the appellant did not initiate an appeal.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected herniated disc at L2-3 and L3-4, with release of spinal stenosis. The RO has remanded the case to obtain additional medical evidence and consider various legal criteria.

The case is being remanded to the RO for further action, including asking the appellant whether she wants a hearing and scheduling one if desired. The appeal will be returned to the Board following appropriate appellate procedure.

The veteran's TMJ is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating of 40 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as traumatic arthritis, does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a right hand fracture was denied due to an inability to obtain his service medical records, which were not in the record.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claim.

The veteran's death due to VA hospitalization or treatment is being considered for DIC benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151, and an effective date earlier than July 15, 1999 is sought.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current neck disorder is not related to her service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's right hand disability, characterized by fractures and degenerative joint disease, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent under either the old or new VA criteria.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a certification from the service department stating that her late husband had no recognized service in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, thus denying his veterans' status.

The appellant is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for the cause of her husband's death. The RO has granted a September 23, 1996 effective date but the appellant disagrees and requests further review.

The Board determined that the veteran was not eligible for basic educational assistance under Chapter 30 due to various eligibility criteria and reasons.

The Board has granted the appellant's application to reopen his claim, based on the receipt of new and material evidence. The underlying issue of entitlement to VA nonservice-connected disability pension benefits will be remanded for further development.