Other conditions decisions — 2000

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred in March 1998 for pneumonia treatment at a private hospital were denied as the care was not related to his service-connected disability and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected right middle and ring finger disability, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The Board is remanding the case to allow for due process and further development of the overpayment issue.

The Board found that the veteran's dilated cardiomyopathy is not due to service or Agent Orange exposure, and denied his claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for panic disorder with agoraphobia and dysthymic disorder is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing in New York City or another location as requested by the appellant.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a nervous disorder, based on new and material evidence submitted.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current left hip arthritis to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for narcolepsy on a direct basis and for entitlement to a compensable disability rating for his umbilical hernia repair. The claim for service connection based on undiagnosed illness was found not well grounded.

The Board dismissed the case as there is neither a fee agreement to review nor any fees being charged, making the case moot.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for a jaw disorder is well-grounded and capable of substantiation. The veteran was afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed jaw disorder, and all pertinent treatment records should be obtained for review.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the left little finger, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has denied an increased evaluation for a laceration of the right upper leg, finding that the current disability does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for fungal cellulitis, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a relationship between his current condition and his period of active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on January 6, 1995 due to lack of prior authorization and because the treatment was not for a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for endometriosis, finding no competent medical evidence to support a diagnosis or link between her condition and service.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, resulting in past-due benefits to be paid from June 1, 1994, to August 4, 1999. The appellant is eligible for payment of attorney fees at a rate of 20% of these past-due benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of Section 306 death pension benefits in the amount of $3,059 due to her failure to report her full interest income in 1989. The decision found that she was solely at fault and that recovery would not cause undue financial hardship.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of exposure to Agent Orange, basal cell carcinoma, and a wound to the mouth are not well grounded. The evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for ocular histoplasmosis of the left eye is not well grounded, and thus denied.