Other conditions decisions — 2000

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to conflicting evidence regarding the veteran's expenses, including periods of incarceration. The appellant is seeking an increase in the apportionment of the veteran's disability compensation benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further medical evaluation to determine if any current eye disorders are residuals of VA surgery.

The veteran's bone spurs of the left heel are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a thoracic spine injury warrant no more than a 10 percent evaluation since August 31, 1994.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected paralysis of the fifth cranial nerve, but remanded the issue regarding a compensable rating for the service-connected disorder of the nasal septum.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for waiver of overpayment of improved pension benefits, finding that recovery would not be against equity and good conscience.

The Board finds that the veteran's disability from postoperative residuals of vagotomy, gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy due to duodenal ulcer disease is manifested by intermittent epigastric pain. The criteria for an increased rating have not been met.

The VA determined that the veteran's current lung disability is not related to asbestos exposure in service.

The Board has granted service connection for inflammatory bowel disease with residuals of proctocolectomy-ileotomy, finding that the veteran's PTSD has aggravated his pre-existing condition.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to his left hand/wrist do not warrant an increased disability evaluation beyond the current 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of death pension benefits in the amount of $5,819.00 due to her failure to timely inform VA of increased income from Social Security Administration.

The Board determined that an initial noncompensable evaluation for the lipoma of the left upper back was proper prior to April 16, 1998. Since then, a compensable evaluation (10%) has been assigned.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for hiatal hernia with Barrett's esophagitis and Brunner's gland hypertrophy, finding no evidence of severe impairment in health. The claim for service connection for gastroenteritis was also denied due to lack of competent medical evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The veteran's cardiac condition is not considered to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected asbestosis.

The appellant withdrew her appeal regarding the issue of whether she was entitled to recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse for VA purposes.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is well grounded, but denied due to lack of evidence linking the esophageal cancer to exposure to Agent Orange or any other service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for circulatory problems and gynecological conditions, including cysts and pelvic pain. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his case.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 18, 1994 for a compensable evaluation of his postoperative residuals of right inguinal hernia repair is denied. The RO granted a 30 percent rating from July 18, 1994 and this decision is final as the veteran did not appeal within one year. The claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a left ear disorder, finding that the submitted evidence was not new and material.