Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board found that the reduction in disability compensation from March 6, 1998 due to incarceration was proper.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's left thumb strain, including a review of Diagnostic Codes and an examination.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. His adjustment reaction is rated at 10 percent, his bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, and his tinnitus remains at the maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the appellant is competent to manage his own financial affairs and grants restoration of competency status for VA benefit purposes.

The Board determined that a higher rating for the veteran's bilateral inguinal hernias is not warranted, as there are no left-sided symptoms and the right-sided hernia does not require reduction by or support of a truss or belt.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected left ulnar nerve impairment prior to December 3, 2002 and a rating in excess of 30 percent from that date. The evidence did not support higher ratings based on the severity of the disability.

The VA denied claims for a skin disorder and service connection for elevated cholesterol levels. The veteran's skin disorder was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and the claim for elevated cholesterol was found to be non-new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for compensation benefits for cardiovascular disability due to VA medical treatment in November 1987 is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current right eye disability was incurred during service, and denied the claim.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected pleural plethysmography is being remanded due to the need for compliance with VCAA notice and assistance requirements. The VA also needs to obtain SSA records related to the veteran's disability benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for nerve damage, secondary to the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left great toe fracture. The claim for restoration of a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left great toe fracture is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and need for additional examinations.

The veteran's appeal was denied as he did not have qualifying wartime service to be eligible for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an ulcer disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the May 1990 rating decision. However, the matter is remanded for additional development.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date for adding his current spouse as a dependent to his compensation award. The BVA found that the earliest possible effective date was March 1, 2003, based on the notification received by VA in February 4, 2003.