Citation Nr: 0003806	
Decision Date: 02/14/00    Archive Date: 02/15/00

DOCKET NO.  98-14 167	)	DATE
	)


On appeal from the decision of the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Columbia, 
South Carolina


THE ISSUES

1.  Entitlement to an increased evaluation for reflex 
sympathetic dystrophy of the right (major) hand, rated as 
extremely unfavorable ankylosis of the middle, right, and 
little fingers with favorable ankylosis of the index finger, 
currently evaluated as 60 percent disabling.

2.  Entitlement to a total disability rating based upon 
individual unemployability.


REPRESENTATION

Appellant represented by:	The American Legion




ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

A. Pitts, Associate Counsel


FINDINGS OF FACT

1.	The appellant in this case served in the South Carolina 
Army National Guard from July 1972 to November 1989.

2.	On March 29, 1999, prior to the promulgation of a 
decision in the appeal, the Board received notification from 
the appellant that a withdrawal of this appeal is requested.


CONCLUSION OF LAW

The criteria for withdrawal of a Substantive Appeal by the 
appellant have been met.
38 U.S.C.A. § 7105(b)(2), (d)(5) (West 1991); 38 C.F.R. 
§§ 20.202, 20.204(b), (c) (1999).


REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

Under 38 U.S.C.A. § 7105, the Board may dismiss any appeal 
which fails to allege specific error of fact or law in the 
determination being appealed.  A Substantive Appeal may be 
withdrawn in writing at any time before the Board promulgates 
a decision.  38 C.F.R. §§ 20.202, 20.204(b) (1999).  
Withdrawal may be made by the appellant or by his or her 
authorized representative, except that a representative may 
not withdraw a Substantive Appeal filed by the appellant 
personally without the express written consent of the 
appellant.  38 C.F.R. § 20.204(c) (1999).  The appellant has 
withdrawn this appeal and, hence, there remain no allegations 
of errors of fact or law for appellate consideration.  
Accordingly, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review 
the appeal and it is dismissed without prejudice.


ORDER

The appeal is dismissed.



		
BARBARA B. COPELAND
	Member, Board of Veterans' Appeals