Other conditions decisions — 2002

The VA determined that the appellant's pension benefits were properly terminated as of January 1, 2000, due to her excessive net worth and monthly expenses.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations and an earlier effective date were denied. The initial evaluations for residuals of fragment wounds to the left and right feet remain at 10 percent, and a compensable evaluation was not granted for the right calf scar.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's right axillary nerve damage with deltoid muscle atrophy from September 15, 1993 through March 19, 1997. The claim was denied for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent prior to that date and for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent effective from March 20, 1997.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have active schistosomiasis or any residuals of it, and thus denied a compensable rating for this condition.

The Board denied an increased rating for epicondylitis of the right elbow, post operative and a compensable rating for residuals of a fracture of the proximal phalanx of the left ring finger, post operative. The initial disability rating for hemorrhoids remains at 10 percent.

The veteran's Dupuytren's contractures of the left hand were rated at 10 percent from March 4, 1982 to October 13, 1986; 20 percent from October 14, 1986 to July 7, 1992; 30 percent from July 8, 1992 to May 8, 1994; and 50 percent since May 9, 1994.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and cerebral vascular accident, finding no current disability related to these conditions and insufficient evidence linking them to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease and progressive neuromuscular disease, finding that these conditions were not related to his service-connected bilateral hallux valgus and hammertoes of the left foot. The Board also denied increased ratings for his service-connected right and left foot disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's increased rating claim for his left knee disorder and found that he did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The hypertension claim was also denied as new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen it.

The veteran's reported medical expenses for 1998 were not excluded as unreimbursed payments for medical expenses in calculating his monthly rate of VA improved pension.

The veteran's bilateral choroideremia is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, and the claim for an increased evaluation has been denied.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has determined that the veteran's abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is not proximately due to or the result of her service-connected cesarean section scar, and thus denied her claim for secondary service connection.

The veteran's medical expenses were applied to reduce his income for pension benefits purposes, and he received all the pension benefits to which he was entitled from January 1999 to January 2000. The appeal is denied.

The veteran's pension benefits were discontinued due to the inclusion of his spouse's income in the computation, as their combined income exceeded the legal income limitations.

The Board denied an increased rating for severe hallux valgus of both the right and left feet, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lymphangitis and brain damage due to a concussion, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted for the lymphangitis claim and that there is no evidence of current disability or in-service injury related to these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected angioneurotic edema, finding that she is already receiving the maximum schedular evaluation.

The Board denied an initial compensable disability evaluation for shortening of the right leg, finding that the veteran's symptomatology did not warrant a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for VA outpatient dental treatment for Teeth 3 and 15, finding that he did not meet eligibility criteria due to incomplete documentation of his service dental records.