Other conditions decisions — 2003

The VA denied an initial compensable rating for the service-connected mitral valve prolapse with history of chest pain, as there is no clinically documented significant valvular heart disease or cardiac pathology.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of reopening his service connection for a chronic respiratory disease due to lack of new and material evidence, despite previous hospitalizations during service.

The Board found that the veteran's tumors and dental caries are not service-connected, as they do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to radiation exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection either.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral pterygium, finding that the veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals did not cause a compensable impairment of vision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a blood disorder, manifesting as skin rash, finding no current medical evidence to establish the presence of a chronic current disability of a blood disorder.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to a lack of evidence linking his death to any disability incurred or aggravated in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a compensable rating of 10 percent for postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia, based on his complaints of pain and functional impairment.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for secondary service connection for left foot drop and left heel ulcer, as well as a total disability rating due to individual unemployability. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a total left knee replacement is pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current eye disability, including refractive error and diplopia with associated convergence insufficiency, is not service-connected as it does not have its onset during service or due to a disease incurred in service. The medical evidence supports this conclusion.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection for a disability caused by reaction to antimalarial medication, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board found no indication of fraud, misrepresentation or bad faith on the veteran's part and determined that the overpayment should be waived due to the veteran's substantial financial obligations and lack of fault in creating the overpayment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot condition and a respiratory condition, finding that these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current arthritis to his military service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the cause of death was due to esophageal carcinoma and Barrett's esophagus, which resulted from reflux disease. The veteran did not have these conditions during service or within one year after discharge. There is no evidence linking his exposure to Agent Orange to his condition.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of non-service-connected pension benefits in the amount of $17,809.00 was created due to changes in the veteran's family income and is against equity and good conscience, warranting a waiver.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting left leg fracture did not undergo a chronic increase in severity beyond normal progression during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for varicose veins of the right leg, finding that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted under either the old or new versions of Diagnostic Code 7120.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a fracture of the left tibia and fibula do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as they are currently asymptomatic and stable.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's residuals of fracture of the right thumb, which is the maximum available under VA regulations.

The veteran's recurrent urinary tract infections are service-connected as secondary to her service-connected bladder disability. Vaginitis is not service-connected.