Other conditions Board decisions

The veteran died in June 2001. The appellant submitted a VA Form 21-534 for DIC benefits on April 28, 2003, which is the earliest effective date available given that no prior claim was filed within one year of the veteran's death.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder did not substantially or materially contribute to his cause of death, which was cardiac arrest due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The gastroenterology and cardiology specialists concluded that the veteran's anxiety disorder had some effect on his health but was unlikely as a primary cause of his death.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service as a veteran and therefore is not eligible for VA benefits.

The veteran's attorney has challenged a December 2001 decision regarding the amount withheld from past-due benefits and the amount of the attorney's fees. The case is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran is seeking service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil, which he claims is due to his exposure to Agent Orange during military service. The claim will be remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected crush injury to the first and second toes of the left foot does not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for severe disability.

The veteran's appeal for a schedular rating in excess of 60 percent for bilateral defective vision due to macular degeneration has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The veteran's Crohn's disease warrants a rating of at least 30 percent, effective November 15, 2002.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right arm injury, finding that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between his current disability and an in-service injury.

The veteran's cause of death was due to a cerebrovascular accident and severe atherosclerotic disease, both not service-connected. The DIC claim is denied as the veteran did not meet the criteria for entitlement under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The veteran is denied an effective date prior to August 9, 1984 for the award of a 10 percent evaluation for shell fragment wound penetrating left lower eyelid.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence and for proper VCAA notice.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left foot hallux valgus, but found that the criteria for a compensable rating were not met. The veteran's hallux valgus is manifested by pain on motion and tenderness, limiting her ability to walk or stand.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for myasthenia gravis, finding that the veteran's condition did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent. The effective date remains unchanged at November 25, 2003.

The Board found no evidence of a right jaw injury or dental trauma to tooth #28 during service, and thus denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's schizoaffective disorder was aggravated by active military service, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cardiovascular disorder is not related to service and therefore denied his claim.

The veteran died without a service-connected disability and did not have an original or reopened claim for benefits pending at the time of his death. Therefore, burial benefits cannot be awarded.

The Board found that the cause of death, 'new growth of liver,' does not refer to cirrhosis of the liver. As a result, service connection for the cause of death cannot be granted.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of the claim.