Other conditions decisions — 2001

The Board denied the veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation benefits in the amount of $1,328.23 due to her failure to attend classes on a half-time basis as required by regulation.

The veteran's income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate, so he is not eligible for non-service connected disability pension benefits.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 16, 1999, for assignment of a 100 percent evaluation for schizoaffective disorder is granted. The effective date is set at August 11, 1998.

The veteran's service did not occur during a period of war, and therefore he is not eligible for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the appellant is ineligible for VA pension benefits due to a lack of qualifying service, and thus denied her claim.

The Board has denied both claims for service connection for loss of teeth and an increased rating for residuals of mandible fractures due to a lack of complete medical records, particularly those from the veteran's active duty period. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his dental injury and bruxism, finding that the evidence did not support an assignment of such a rating.

The veteran's unauthorized private hospital care on August 14, 1999 was denied as the VA medical facilities were feasibly available at that time.

The Board has remanded the case due to a defective examination and incomplete medical records, requiring further development of the claim.

The VA determined that the veteran did not sustain additional disability of his right eye as a result of surgery and treatment at a VA medical facility in February 1996, and thus denied compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cataracts are not due to disease or injury incurred in service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Board found no additional disability due to VA medical treatment for malfunctioning aortic and mitral heart valves, resulting in denial of the veteran's claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dengue fever and malaria, finding no current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board denied the claimant's recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits due to lack of knowledge of legal impediments and failure to establish a deemed valid marriage under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 103(a).

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his bilateral foot disorder and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The VA determined that the veteran's lung disorder is not service-connected, and denied his claim. The decision concluded there was no evidence of a nexus between any current respiratory condition and service or exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) or asbestos.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis of multiple joints, residuals of fractures of the right upper cheek, right arm, hands, and right leg, and a sinus disability. The appeals were not well-grounded as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 10 percent for the veteran's chronic hoarseness secondary to trauma of the vocal cords, finding that this level of impairment meets the criteria under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Crohn's disease began during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection for dental treatment is denied as he does not have a noncompensable service-connected dental disorder resulting from service trauma or combat wounds.