Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer disorder, currently evaluated at 20 percent. The evidence showed recurring symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, epigastric pain, acid reflux, and heartburn that were relieved with medication.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of secondary service connection for bone and joint disorder, stomach disability, and dental disability as there is no evidence of a current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that a 30 percent rating is warranted for the veteran's right knee bursitis, as it results in limitation of motion with significant pain and flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange, finding that the veteran's condition is presumed due to his wartime service in Vietnam.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a diagnosed cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disability to account for his symptoms of sinus bradycardia and chest discomfort, leading to a denial of service connection.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for bilateral blindness and a disability of the abdomen. The case is now remanded for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the veteran meets the criteria for service connection for a cognitive disorder due to an undiagnosed illness, and therefore grants this claim.

The Board found that the veteran was solely at fault in creating the overpayment of VA improved pension benefits and granted a waiver, as recovery would not be against equity and good conscience.

The appellant's claim for monetary benefits for spina bifida as an individual whose biological parent was a Vietnam veteran is denied due to the absence of legal merit. The term 'Vietnam veteran' refers only to those who served in the Republic of Vietnam, and the appellant's father did not serve there.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing due to his failure to attend the previously scheduled hearing.

The Board denied an increased rating for service-connected residuals of bilateral traumatic cataracts, with aphakia of the right eye.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left thumb injury with traumatic arthritis do not meet the criteria for an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent assigned.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of a left foot disorder, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the 1985 rating decision.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment of improved nonservice-connected disability pension benefits due to his failure to timely file the application, as required by VA regulations.

The Board found no evidence of an acquired ocular disability in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces.

The Board found that the overpayment of compensation benefits was due to VA administrative error and not caused by the veteran's knowledge or action. As a result, the debt is not valid.

The Board has granted a 100% evaluation for the veteran's service-connected obsessive compulsive disorder, finding that it results in total social and occupational impairment.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a certification from ARPERSCOM stating that he had no recognized military service with the United States Armed Forces.

The Board determined that the veteran is not eligible for a nonservice-connected pension as his active military service was less than 90 days and he does not have a disability incurred or aggravated by his brief period of military service.