Other conditions decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his shrapnel fragment wound (SFW) in the chest is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional examination.

The Board denied service connection for refractive error and granted a noncompensable evaluation for peripheral neuropathy of the left foot, effective from July 1, 2001. The veteran's claim for an increased rating was withdrawn.

The veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated during service, and he did not have qualifying service for nonservice-connected death pension benefits. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the appeal is moot due to a decision by the RO granting the veteran's request for waiver of overpayment of educational assistance benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his fractured mandible, concluding that the residuals were not disabling enough to warrant such a rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to an effective date of August 10, 1990 for a 10% rating for the residuals of his bilateral fracture of the mandible.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for duodenal ulcer, which is presumed to have resulted from exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to January 9, 1986, and a higher evaluation for post-traumatic neuralgia of the left jaw.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and earlier effective date for his service-connected Crohn's disease, finding that no earlier effective date was warranted due to lack of evidence showing disability had occurred prior to July 1, 2005. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has ordered additional development to be completed, including a VA medical examination and review of new evidence. The veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the face is related to his exposure to Agent Orange in service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an apportionment of the veteran's VA pension benefits on behalf of his minor children, S.T. and J.T., finding that the veteran reasonably provides support for his children and that the appellant did not show financial hardship.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's duodenal ulcer, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the current examination and opinion provided by the September 2004 VA examiner are inadequate for adjudicating the veteran's claim. The RO is therefore remanding the case to obtain additional medical evidence and an updated examination.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of right leg varicose veins and TDIU due to service-connected disability are being remanded for additional development.

The veteran died in March 2000 due to respiratory failure, underlying causes of COPD and diverticular colon hemorrhage. The Board found that his service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic skin disorder, finding no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange and concluding that his current skin condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for aid and attendance benefits was denied as there is no evidence of a prior claim or intent to apply for such benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pyorrhea or periodontal disease and dental trauma, finding no evidence of such conditions in service and concluding that they are not related to active duty.

The Board denied the claim as there was no evidence linking the veteran's gastric carcinoma to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The cause of death was determined not to be related to any service-connected disability.