Other conditions decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran's exotropia with convergence insufficiency and diplopia did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, as his visual acuity was correctable to 20/20 bilaterally.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis is related to his period of active military service and granted his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for malaria, schistosomiasis (also claimed as liver flukes), edema, and shell fragment wounds are not well grounded. The SFWs were not related to service.

The VA has denied an increased rating for the veteran's skin disorder, diagnosed as mycosis fungoides or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board finds that the veteran's recurrent idiopathic urticaria/angioedema began during active service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied an increased rating for the gunshot wound residuals, but granted a separate evaluation for injury to Muscle Group II. The veteran's service-connected condition is rated based on its inherent nature rather than any specific exposure.

The Board found that the appellant's discharge from military service was due to willful and persistent misconduct, resulting in a bad conduct discharge under dishonorable conditions. Therefore, his character of discharge constitutes a bar to VA benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for dental trauma, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The Board finds that the appellant does not meet the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, as there is no objective evidence indicating he is incapable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral knee disorder, including Osgood-Schlatter disease, was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The preexisting condition of Osgood-Schlatter disease was considered to have been exacerbated during service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further development.

The Board finds that the appellant does not currently have malaria residuals or had them in the past, and thus denies his claim for an increased (compensable) rating for malaria.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected varicose veins of the left leg do not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board has denied the claim of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder as not well grounded due to lack of evidence linking the current diagnosis to active service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for dysthymia and found it plausible. However, post traumatic stress disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the veteran's low back disability, effective from May 8, 1995. The claim for service connection for chronic gastrointestinal disorder with elevated liver function tests and colitis as secondary to service-connected low back strain is also granted.

The Board denied an increased rating for bilateral conjunctivitis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on active disease or residuals.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of improved death pension benefits was properly created due to unreported income. The appellant's failure to report her savings bond interest income resulted in an overpayment, which is now being addressed through a waiver request.

The veteran's military disability severance pay has been properly and completely recouped, with no outstanding balance remaining.