Other conditions decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred during private hospitalization in October and November 1995 is denied. The Board found that prior VA authorization was not obtained, despite the fact that treatment at a VA facility was feasible.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left hip disorder is secondary to his service-connected left leg disability, specifically the shortening of his left leg due to fractures and bone grafting.

The veteran's claims for bilateral patellofemoral syndrome, tendonitis, and athlete's foot or other fungus infection are not well grounded. The claim for service connection for athlete's foot is supported by evidence of a current diagnosis during active duty.

The veteran's overpayment of VA disability pension benefits in the amount of $3,431.66 is waived due to his fault in failing to report his wife's income and undue financial hardship.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 30 percent for the veteran's right knee disability, effective June 11, 2000. The disability is rated based on arthritis with limitation of motion and instability.

The Board found that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's current eye disorders to his service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's overpayment of improved pension benefits in the amount of $12,307 was denied due to a finding of misrepresentation on his part.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder due to lack of competent medical evidence linking the current condition to military service.

The veteran's National Service Life Insurance policy was designated to the appellant as the sole beneficiary. However, a later designation changed this to P.P., the veteran's first ex-wife. The VA determined that the June 1997 change of beneficiaries form was valid and accepted by the Board.

The Board's June 21, 1982 decisions on the increased rating for post phlebitic syndrome and TDIU ratings are granted based on finding of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for the residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left foot is denied as he already receives the maximum schedular evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's right eye keratoconus existed prior to service and did not increase in severity during service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected emphysema, effective from October 1998.

The appeal has been dismissed as the benefit sought was granted by a rating decision prior to the Board's consideration.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and entitlement to accrued benefits. The evidence did not establish that any disability incurred or aggravated by active service was the principal or contributory cause of death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's systemic lupus erythematosus was not incurred in or related to his active service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse, finding that she did not meet the legal requirements to be considered a proper claimant.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for postoperative residuals of a right inguinale herniorrhaphy and ilioinguinal nerve entrapment secondary to the same surgery were denied as there was no evidence that met the schedular criteria for an increased rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of recognized service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of qualifying service in the U.S. Armed Forces.