Other conditions decisions — 2007

The VA denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's right elbow disability, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on limited motion or other factors.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death was not related to his service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran seeks service connection for dental trauma that occurred during active duty. The case is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA dental examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of qualifying service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces.

The Board has granted service connection for VA outpatient dental treatment only for teeth numbered 5, 6 and 8 due to dental trauma in service. However, the veteran is not eligible for treatment under Class II(a) for any other teeth as his certificate of discharge certifies that he received complete dental care within 90 days prior to separation.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for aid and attendance was granted effective March 19, 2003. The effective date is set as of the date of receipt of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The veteran's urticaria was found not to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating for his right ulna disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess the severity of his condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including verifying stressors and obtaining medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service and post-service dental records.

The Board finds that the appellant is not a qualifying child for death pension benefits as she was an adult at the time of her foster father's death and did not meet other eligibility criteria. The veteran had no service-connected disabilities, and there are no accrued benefits to which the appellant may be entitled.

The Board has determined that the appellant perfected a timely substantive appeal from the May 2004 decision denying entitlement to an effective date prior to October 31, 2001 for non-service connected pension benefits. The claim is now remanded for further action.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disability is being remanded for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other legal requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and a prostate disorder, finding that there was no evidence of these conditions during his military service or due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head trauma and found that new and material evidence had been submitted. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the September 1996 rating decision is not new and material, and thus does not warrant reopening the veteran's claim for service connection for a right leg disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of documentation regarding the appellant's eligibility as a 'surviving spouse' for purposes of her current claim. The RO must contact the appellant and applicable state agencies to obtain necessary information, including copies of marriage certificates, birth certificate, and any divorce or annulment records.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for essential hand tremors and a respiratory disorder due to exposure to carbon tetrachloride and asbestos, respectively. The new evidence submitted since the 1993 denial supports these claims.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected dermatophytosis, currently evaluated at 50 percent since August 30, 2002.