Other conditions decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a permanent and total disability rating for non-service-connected pension benefits, finding that the earliest date that may be assigned is January 21, 1998, which is when the reopened claim was received.

The Board found that the veteran's nicotine/tobacco dependence, atherosclerosis, and pharyngeal carcinoma of the tonsillar area were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not support a finding that his conditions began during service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder of the hands and bilateral lower extremity gout, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any event therein.

The Board has determined that the veteran acquired hypoglycemia during service and is entitled to service connection for reactive hypoglycemia.

The Board granted the veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment in his VA pension benefits, finding no fraud or bad faith on his part and that repayment would not be against the principles of equity and good conscience.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for varicose veins of the left lower extremity, resolving all doubt in favor of the veteran. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for varicose veins of the right leg is referred back to the RO for further development and adjudication.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability, specifically his post-reconstruction ACL reconstruction, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of the initial 10 percent assigned.

The veteran's teeth were pulled during service, but the VA Medical Center determined that he did not meet eligibility criteria for outpatient dental treatment due to his failure to apply within one year of leaving service and because his condition was not deemed a compensable disability.

The Board denied service connection for allergies and lung problems, finding that the veteran's current conditions did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pyelonephritis and urinary tract infection, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claim was for service connection for a right eye condition, which is secondary to service-connected dermatitis of the feet.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for DIC benefits, finding that September 28, 1997 was the correct effective date based on the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected posterior left diaphragmatic hernia warrants a 40 percent rating, but no higher.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for otitis externa and dermatophytosis of the legs and feet were not supported by evidence showing marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses because the treatment was not rendered in a medical emergency and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of an injury to the middle and ring fingers of the left hand due to a lack of verified in-service injury.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current H-pyloric ulcer disease to her service, and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) was not related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for PCT.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip injury and left hip disorder, as well as his claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence submitted did not provide new or material information to reopen any of these claims.