Other conditions decisions — 2000

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew it in writing before a decision was made.

The Board finds that the veteran is entitled to presumptive service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to in-service exposure to radiation, but not for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the current condition of the veteran's lower extremities and right foot. The issues include service connection for wounds of the lower extremities and a compensable evaluation for a fracture of the right third metatarsal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the veteran's left abdominal gunshot wound residuals.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is denied as there is no evidence to support a finding that his death was caused by or related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's appeal is on whether he should receive a higher disability rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has ordered additional development of the record, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board found the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD to be well grounded and granted it.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a left hand disability other than a scar about the index finger, and denied service connection for any other left hand condition. The skin disorder claim is pending further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a liver disability, finding that the evidence supports this determination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his torn medial meniscus of the right knee disability, currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence showed slight limitation of motion and degenerative changes but no functional impairment that would warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's right lower extremity shell fragment wound residuals are manifested by severe disability with associated easy fatigability, cramping on use, and weakness. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 30 percent rating for right lower extremity shell fragment wound residuals, muscle group XV, are met.

The Board granted an increased rating of 40 percent for a postoperative appendectomy and umbilical hernia repair, effective from May 1, 1993. Attorney fees are eligible based on past-due benefits resulting from this decision.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the service-connected stress reaction of the left patella, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately compensates the veteran's disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected urticaria does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, as there is no evidence of ulceration or extensive exfoliation or crusting. The current symptoms are considered to be within the scope of a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a duodenal ulcer.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral sensorineural deafness did not warrant a compensable evaluation based on recent audiometric test results.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral aortoiliac occlusive disease, finding that his claim was not well grounded due to lack of medical evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection of a respiratory disorder, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board found that the veteran's injuries were caused by his own willful misconduct, as evidenced by his high blood alcohol content and erratic driving behavior.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of disability compensation benefits, concluding that collection would not be against equity and good conscience.