Other conditions decisions — 2007

The VA denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's thoracic spine disability, finding that his condition met the criteria for a 20 percent rating based on limitation of motion.

The veteran's service does not meet the threshold requirements for eligibility for VA pension benefits as outlined in the law, and his claim is denied.

The veteran's appeal to deny service connection for lower back strain was denied because he did not file a timely substantive appeal within the required time frame.

The veteran's service-connected chronic urticaria does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for residuals of a left hip injury and stress fractures of the tibia, finding that the evidence did not support higher than the currently assigned disability ratings.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation for a dependent spouse was denied as he did not provide his spouse's Social Security number within one year of the March 2003 notification letter, which is required by law. The effective date remains June 1, 2005.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder, brachial plexus injury, and right femur fracture residuals warrant a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his mental disabilities.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and entitlement to accrued benefits, finding that there was no evidence linking the veteran's hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease to his military service or a service-connected condition.

The Board denied a higher disability evaluation for the veteran's residuals of healed iridocyclitis, left eye, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's service connection claims for a bilateral foot disorder and loss of feeling in the right hand are being remanded due to incomplete medical records, including those from his active duty period. The VA will obtain additional treatment records and schedule the veteran for an examination to determine if his current disabilities are related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for eligibility to education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill was denied as he did not meet the criteria for an award of Chapter 30 benefits.

The Board determined that the reduction of the veteran's VA pension benefits based on his receipt of Social Security income was proper, and thus denied the appeal.

The Board has vacated its February 2006 decision and dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for reopening his service connection for residuals of a right hand fracture, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by a sore throat and coughing up blood, finding that there is no competent evidence to establish a relationship between his in-service peptic disease and his current conditions.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected ichthyosis vulgaris, which involves approximately 90% of his body surface and is characterized by constant itching. The current rating schedule criteria are applied to determine this appropriate evaluation.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a deviated nasal septum, status post septoplasty. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the appellant's appeal is dismissed due to the failure to submit a timely substantive appeal from the RO determinations regarding the reduction of Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits and the timeliness of his Appeal to the Board (VA Form 9).

The Board dismissed the veteran's claim for a compensable rating for blepharitis of the left eyelid due to his failure to respond to requests for information within one year, resulting in abandonment of the claim.

The veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected gouty arthritis is being remanded due to the need for a current medical examination and additional development of Social Security Administration records.