Other conditions decisions — 2002

The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right buttock, but denied any increase in rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right foot.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of shrapnel wound to the left eye, finding no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral leg condition, including lower extremity cramping and poor circulation, is not related to his service-connected ankle and knee disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by neuropsychological signs or symptoms of memory impairment and sleep disturbances, finding that no objective indications of chronic disability were shown.

The Board has determined that the veteran's onychomycosis had its origins during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for neurovascular disturbances of the left foot and a 10 percent evaluation for neurovascular disturbances of the right foot, effective August 9, 1994.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable evaluation for hyperostosis of the second and third digits of the right hand, finding no competent evidence of current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's respiratory disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, including as secondary to nicotine dependence or asbestos exposure. The theory of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disorder due to in-service tobacco use is precluded by law.

The veteran's spouse filed a claim for accrued benefits based on the veteran's service-connected disabilities. The VA awarded additional compensation for the dependent spouse effective March 1, 1999. The appellant sought an earlier effective date but was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's urinary dysfunction did not have its onset during service or due to his service-connected lower back disability, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's exposure to phosgene gas during World War II contributed to his death from septic shock due to pneumonia. The appellant is granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's current right knee disorders, diagnosed as chondromalacia and degenerative joint disease with post-operative meniscectomy, were incurred during active military service. The decision grants service connection for these disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected schizoaffective disorder does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board had no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Providence Hospital in Mobile, Alabama between May 25, 2000 and May 30, 2000 was denied as he did not have a service-connected disability that would entitle him to VA benefits.

The Board found that the veteran was at fault in creating the overpayment for the period from December 1, 1996 to April 30, 1997 due to his failure to report his divorce. The decision grants waiver of recovery of the overpayment during this period.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's diagnosed bilateral macular degeneration, finding no competent medical evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar fault. The cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest due to possible myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolus.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a lack of evidence linking non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to his military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The appeal was reopened based on new evidence.