Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has restored the previously assigned 10% disability ratings for service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of both knees and denied increased rating claims.

The veteran's apportionment of benefits was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased apportionment due to financial hardship.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for bilateral keratoconus, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating than the current 30 percent.

The veteran's left knee condition is rated at 20 percent, and his right hand conditions are rated as 10 percent. The appeal for increased ratings remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected varicose veins of the left lower extremity meet the criteria for a total (100 percent) rating under the new version of Diagnostic Code 7120, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The veteran's claim for VA outpatient dental treatment was denied as his claim is not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for cancer of the right breast due to exposure to herbicide agents, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board found that the veteran's burn scars on his thighs were not incurred or aggravated by military service and denied the claim.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for pulmonary fibrosis has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's left ring finger disability and found that he is entitled to a compensable evaluation (10%) for his residuals of bladder carcinoma.

The veteran's appeal for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for laryngeal cancer with laryngectomy due to tobacco use in service and/or nicotine dependence acquired in service is not well-grounded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a low back disorder due to new and material evidence. However, the claim remains not well-grounded as there is no competent medical evidence linking the current low back disorder to service or any incident thereof.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well-grounded and therefore denied.

The veteran's service-connected benign prostatic hypertrophy is currently rated at 40 percent, and the issue of entitlement to a higher rating remains in appellate status. The facial lesion issue has been addressed separately.

The VA Regional Office (RO) denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to VA benefits because her deceased husband had no recognized military service. The new evidence submitted since the June 1982 RO decision is not considered significant enough to reopen the case.

The VA determined that the dysthymic disorder has been productive of not more than definite social and industrial impairment, allowing for a 30 percent evaluation effective November 7, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for status post myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular problems, hysterectomy, and residuals of removal of a cyst of the Gartner's duct. The case was remanded multiple times but ultimately affirmed by the RO.

The veteran's former spouse was granted an apportionment of the veteran's VA disability pension benefits on behalf of her, effective from October 1, 1996 to December 1, 1996. The decision is based on the evidence showing that the veteran did not provide support during their separation.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.