Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board found that the veteran's personality disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a chronic acquired neck disorder or arthritis of the left hand linked to service, and thus denied his claims.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's polyarthralgias of multiple joints to his service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The claim was denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's residuals of fracture of the left clavicle, which is higher than the current 20 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for emphysema or other lung disease is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of all evidence received since the December 2000 statement of the case.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of disability pension benefits.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for NHL due to exposure to Agent Orange, as there was no evidence of his service in Vietnam.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, as all received evidence was duplicative or cumulative.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right ring finger injury is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis, which is manifested by seasonal exacerbations in the form of flaking and lesions of the feet. The decision under the old criteria warranted a 10 percent rating due to intermittent symptoms during summer months.

The Board finds that P.R. is entitled to recognition as the surviving spouse of the veteran for purposes of VA benefits, including nonnegotiated and accrued benefits due to her continuous cohabitation with the veteran prior to his death.

The RO denied a compensable rating for the veteran's laceration of the right forearm.

The Board has determined that the veteran died of congestive heart failure, which was not related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred in May 1998 and June 1998, stating that a VA facility was readily available but the veteran refused transfer.

The veteran's post cerebral concussion syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right hip disability, which includes trochanteric bursitis and sacroiliitis. The RO found that the veteran's range of motion was limited to 45 degrees.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left varicocele existed prior to his military service and did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during service. The VA examiner concluded that any post-service symptoms were self-limiting and unrelated to the inservice surgery.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development to determine if the veteran's frequent urinary incontinence and loss of balance are related to VA surgery performed in June 1986 and March 1991, respectively.

The VA denied an initial compensable rating for residuals of fracture of the fifth toe of the left foot, finding no evidence of moderate to severe foot injuries or actual loss of use of the left foot.