Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's current teeth, gum and left jaw disorders are not related to service or any other condition that existed prior to service.

The veteran's periodontal disease developed during active service and is considered chronic. The Board has determined that the criteria for eligibility for VA outpatient dental treatment are met.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his bilateral foot condition, which is currently rated as pes planus at 30 percent, has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fungal infection of the feet was incurred during active service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for spinal stenosis and residuals of a partial gastrectomy for peptic ulcer disease and hiatal hernia, finding that the veteran's current conditions are not attributable to his military service.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded due to the lack of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The VA has denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's residuals of a stab wound to the right great toe, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the loss of sensation to the left side of the face was incurred during service and grants the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a left eye disorder, but remanded the case for additional development prior to adjudication of the appeal on its merits. The case returns to the Board following the RO's completion of instructions from that remand.

The veteran's gout has been rated at 40% since June 20, 1997. His thoracic strain and levoscoliosis with back pain have not warranted a higher rating.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death, metastatic small cell carcinoma, was not caused or contributed substantially to his death by any disability incurred in service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding no causal relationship between the veteran's death and VA medical treatment.

The veteran's right hand neurological disability has been increased to a 40 percent rating effective February 3, 1992.

The veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as he was not rated totally disabled for a continuous period of at least ten years prior to death, or five years from the date of discharge. The appellant also does not qualify for Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code due to lack of service-connected disability producing total permanent disability.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for reopening his claim of service connection for a right quadriceps strain, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted. The other issues regarding higher ratings and effective dates remain pending.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for residuals of a right inguinal hernia repair is protected and must be maintained.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded due to the lack of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Board has determined that the veteran's dry eye syndrome of both eyes is a result of flash burns to the right eye during service in Korea, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending evidence and the court's decision invalidating previous regulations. The case is now remanded for additional development at the RO level.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected left herniated nucleus pulposus at L3-L4 is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and arranging for a VA examination.