Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA disability pension benefits in the amount of $1,111 as it was not timely filed.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew it before a decision was made.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for the residuals of a right fifth finger amputation, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board denied a higher disability rating for the veteran's residuals of fracture of the left femur, finding that his condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the appellant was at fault in creating the overpayment of VA improved death pension benefits and denied her request for a waiver, as recovery would not be against the principles of equity and good conscience.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cause of death, aspiration pneumonia, was a result of VA treatment and compensation is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of service connection for a duodenal ulcer, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a shrapnel wound to the right arm, finding that new and material evidence had been submitted but concluding that the disability was not incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including neurofibromatosis, as there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for an ulcer disability and a hiatal hernia.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability as a result of balanitis incurred during service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected diverticulitis is currently productive of no more than mild symptomatology, as characterized by disturbances of bowel function and occasional episodes of abdominal distress. The Board has determined that an increased rating for this condition is not warranted.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of malaria, as there was no credible evidence showing the condition was incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also denied entitlement to an effective date earlier than March 23, 1995 for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes and special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for arthritis secondary to his service-connected Crohn's disease is granted, with May 12, 1999 being the earliest effective date provided by law.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability is related to his in-service back injuries and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have organic brain syndrome and denied service connection for this condition.

The VA denied the claimant's request for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral defective hearing, as it did not meet the criteria under the applicable schedular criteria.

The Board has determined that the earliest effective date for service connection of a left total hip replacement and a right total hip replacement is April 30, 1996.

The appellant withdrew his notice of disagreement, and the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board granted service connection for a skin condition, duodenitis, and hiatal hernia due to undiagnosed illness related to the veteran's Gulf War service.