Other conditions Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for Duke B-2 adenocarcinoma of the rectum with status post left anterior resection with history of radiation is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was causally related to service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant.

The veteran's lung cancer and liver/bone metastasis are presumed to be due to his exposure to ionizing radiation during service in Japan. His left knee replacement is granted a rating of 30 percent for purposes of payment of accrued benefits.

The Board denied service connection for pancreatic cancer, status postoperative as a result of exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound to the right upper thigh, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to an effective date earlier than March 24, 1998, for a 20 percent rating for right fifth toe amputation. The appeal was dismissed as there is no evidence demonstrating increased disability or any related claim prior to March 24, 1998.

The appellant's claim for VA benefits was denied as he has not established service in the United States Armed Forces.

The Board found that the veteran's bronchiectasis existed prior to his entry into military service and was not aggravated during service. Therefore, it denied the claim for service connection.

The appellant's claim for VA benefits is denied as he does not meet the criteria to be considered a 'veteran' and thus, has no basic eligibility for VA benefits.

The Board found that there is no objective evidence of a chronic skin disorder, concentration and memory problems, or depressed mood. The veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10 percent rating for cold injury residuals was denied as there is no evidence of an increase in disability within one year prior to the July 1998 claim.

The RO denied the veteran's claim for VA vocational rehabilitation training benefits. Additional evidence was added to the record, including a transcript of the veteran's July 1996 hearing, but the RO did not consider this new evidence in its decision.

The veteran's appeal for increased evaluation and effective date is dismissed due to untimely filing of the Substantive Appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected pancreatitis with pancreatic pseudocyst and glycosuria, currently rated at 60 percent.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for dental care provided in late 1984, 1985, and 1986 at VA facilities. The RO must obtain relevant medical records and schedule the veteran for a comprehensive VA examination to assess his conditions and determine their relationship to any dental procedures.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a recurrent pterygium of the left eye and an increased evaluation for his skin disorder. The veteran was not granted service connection as the pterygium is a known clinical diagnosis, and he did not meet the criteria for an increased rating based on his skin condition.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20% for the veteran's residuals of embryonal carcinoma of the testis with a left orchiectomy, and also denied a current increased rating in excess of 30%. The reduction from 100% to 10% was found proper.

The veteran's claim for service connection for restrictive lung disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board granted service connection for Crohn's disease, status post-laparotomy and assigned a noncompensable rating. The veteran is now rated at 10%.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness, nausea, and fatigue due to undiagnosed illness. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.