Other conditions decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's varicose veins did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 12, 1998 and since then have not met the criteria for a 40 percent or higher rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected gunshot wound to Muscle Group XXI and fracture of the 4th rib with pleural injury was denied by the RO. The current evaluation remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current dental disability, claimed as residuals of dental trauma in service, is due to service and/or a service-connected condition. Service connection for this claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current skin disorder of the hands and torso, or any other qualifying chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the apportionment of $50 per month to S.E.C., Jr. for the period prior to July 1, 2003 was proper and did not cause undue hardship to the veteran.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied as he did not meet the eligibility requirements under VA regulations.

The Board found that the appellant's deceased spouse did not have the requisite military service to qualify for VA death pension benefits, and thus denied her claim.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for residuals of an excision of myositis ossificans of the right thigh has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date of August 1, 1999, for the grant of an apportionment of the veteran's nonservice-connected pension benefits in behalf of his two children.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current eye disorder related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board is considering whether new evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The original claims folder could not be located, and the appellant seeks to reopen a previously denied claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of kyphosis of the upper back and neck, and there is no evidence linking this condition to her service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the veteran's service or herbicide exposure, and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current spinocerebrellar degeneration with bilateral blindness was not present during service, did not manifest until many years after service, and is not related to active duty service or any incident therein.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to VA benefits as a child of a Vietnam veteran born with spina bifida, based on her tethered cord syndrome being considered a form of spina bifida.

The Board denied a compensable evaluation for the veteran's service-connected septal deviation, finding that his nasal passages are not 50 percent obstructed on both sides or completely obstructed on one side.

The Board has determined that the veteran's shell fragment wounds to his right lower leg and left arm do not warrant evaluations in excess of 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The residuals are considered to be at least moderately severe but not more severely disabling.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that thrombophlebitis and obesity bypass surgery were significant conditions contributing to his death but not related to the terminal disease or condition.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left ureteropelvic junction obstruction and denied entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to procedural issues related to vocational rehabilitation training.