Tuberculosis decisions — 2000

The Board found that the COPD is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or disability, specifically tuberculosis. The veteran's claim for TDIU was also pending.

The veteran's tuberculosis and COPD have been granted service connection, with the effective date being from the date of diagnosis.

The Board finds that the appellant is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities, as he can care for himself without assistance. Therefore, his claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is denied.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the final denial in November 1990 is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis, and thus denied both claims for service connection for the cause of death and accrued benefits.

The Board denied an increased rating for Boeck's sarcoidosis with tuberculosis bronchial lymph node and a compensable rating for hepatitis. The veteran's hepatitis is resolved and asymptomatic, with no objective clinical evidence of demonstrable liver damage or mild gastrointestinal disturbance secondary to hepatitis.

The Board found that the cause of death, lung cancer, was not service-connected. The veteran's military service in the Philippine Commonwealth Army did not meet the requirements for eligibility for VA death pension benefits due to lack of active duty status.

The Board has granted service connection for several conditions and assigned ratings, including a 40 percent rating for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar spine effective March 8, 1995.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an earlier effective date for death pension benefits and for nonservice-connected disability pension for accrued benefits, finding that no entitlement to such benefits was due at the time of the veteran's death.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic pulmonary tuberculosis with chronic bronchitis does not warrant a compensable rating due to inactive and noncompensable conditions.

The veteran's service connection claims for bilateral eye disability, elevated cholesterol, tuberculosis, right foot and ankle disabilities, and postoperative deviated nasal septum have been granted. The rating assigned is 10 percent for arthritis of the right wrist.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and also denied the appellant's claim for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.

The Board found that the appellant's cataracts and pulmonary tuberculosis were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded as there is no medical evidence of current diagnoses or a nexus between his claimed conditions and his military service.