Other conditions decisions — 2006

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected residuals of SJS affecting his skin, effective July 14, 2005. The veteran previously had a combined 20 percent rating for both eye and skin manifestations. The decision also denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of SJS affecting his eyes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of a right inguinal hernia, finding that the evidence did not support a basis for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% evaluation of his service-connected left vericocele was denied as there is no evidence showing the condition warranted such a rating prior to January 25, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for peritoneal adhesions and an earlier effective date, finding that entitlement to such benefits did not arise until June 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's interstitial lung disease without obstructive component (restrictive lung disease) was more likely than not related to his period of military service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for hiatal hernia, nerve damage to the upper front teeth, right eye condition, and ligament and nerve damage to the upper groin are not supported by evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hallux valgus of both feet, finding that the current evidence does not support a rating higher than the currently assigned 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's numbness in left lower lip does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected gynecomastia, left breast with post excision warrants a compensable (30%) disability rating based on its characteristics of disfigurement and skin involvement.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to new evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for recognition as the surviving spouse of the veteran, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The veteran seeks a TDIU due to his service-connected gastrointestinal disability. The RO has ordered further examination and additional medical records are needed before the claim can be fully adjudicated.

The VA has determined that the veteran's perforated right tympanic membrane resulting from treatment at a VA ENT clinic on August 31, 2000 is compensable under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient steps taken by the RO to comply with the VCAA and other relevant regulations. The appellant's claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35, Title 38 of the United States Code is being returned to the Regional Office (RO) for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cysts of the right arm and behind the left ear, as well as a sebaceous cyst behind the left ear, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The follicular lesion on the left thigh was also not shown to be related to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA benefits due to a lack of qualifying service, as determined by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC certified that the appellant had no service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army in the United States Armed Forces.

The veteran's income was found to exceed the maximum annual rate for improved pension benefits, resulting in a denial of his claim.

The appellant's claim for retroactive educational benefits under Chapter 35 was denied as his application and enrollment certification were received after the one-year period required by VA regulations.

The veteran's request for an extension of the delimiting date for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code is denied as his eligibility period expired on March 21, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and a need for further development, including addressing how an effective date would be assigned.