Other conditions decisions — 2000

The VA denied a compensable rating for post-surgical residuals of a pilonidal cyst of the lower back since March 24, 1993 due to lack of objective evidence of any current functional impairment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for numbness of the left leg and foot, as well as his claim for service connection for bilateral eye disability due to mustard gas exposure. The reasons are that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or any recognized exposure basis.

The VA has already assigned a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's PTSD, which is the maximum rating available under current criteria. The Board finds that the veteran does not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation.

The veteran's prostate disorder is not service connected. His missing teeth and periodontal disease are service connected, but his arthritis of the left ankle and hemorrhoids do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the overpayment in the amount of $10,500 was properly created due to the appellant's failure to notify VA of her change in marital status and divorce from the veteran.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1 with arthritis, effective from September 1996.

The Board has not reopened the claims for chronic back, skin and foot disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for residuals of food poisoning is still pending.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of distal muscular dystrophy due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found no additional disability resulting from the November 1996 VA surgical procedure and denied all claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board determined that the veteran's countable annual income was excessive in light of the governing law and regulations, thus denying his appeal for non-service-connected pension benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip injury and hypoglycemia, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diarrhea and a skin rash are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records, including those from prior to January 1996. The veteran is advised to submit any relevant private treatment records.

The Board has determined that a clear picture of the veteran's current disability does not exist and remands the case for further examination to determine the nature and severity of any neurological and psychological disorder, including dementia due to head trauma.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for residuals of right inguinal hernia, finding no evidence of current impairment that would warrant a compensable rating.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the right acromioclavicular joint does not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board is unable to determine if the appellant's nervous condition was first manifested during service, as his service medical records are unavailable. The case will be remanded for further development of the record.

The VA determined that the veteran's varicose veins, right leg, status post veniligation warrant a 40 percent evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of his pituitary adenoma.

The VA has determined that the appellant's right index and middle finger injuries, which are currently rated at 20 percent disabling, do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's residuals of Bell's Palsy, finding that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.