Other conditions decisions — 2003

The Board found that the appellant's disorder, which manifests as syncopal episodes, has not met the criteria for a higher initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran seeks an increased evaluation for service-connected angioneurotic edema/cold urticaria. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting VA examinations.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected wrist and hand disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The appellant is not a child of the deceased veteran for VA death benefits purposes due to his age and thus does not meet eligibility criteria.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left hip dislocation, finding that the disability did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings was granted, with the right elbow synovitis rated at 20 percent effective March 12, 1999 and a gunshot wound to the diaphragm with injury to the right lobe of the liver rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for lumbago with a history of injury due to his failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with his claim.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for an overpayment of $8,313 in pension benefits due to the veteran's financial hardship and foreclosure proceedings against his home.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected jaw condition is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychophysiological gastrointestinal reaction, seizure disorder, and nervous disorder (to include schizophrenia).

The veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals and peptic ulcer disease are not currently considered disabling enough to prevent him from obtaining or maintaining employment. Further examination is needed to determine the impact of these conditions on his employability.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a nervous disability is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video hearing.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a spontaneous pneumothorax of the left lung is being remanded. Additionally, his secondary service connection claim for COPD is also being remanded.

The Board found that the reduction in the veteran's VA improved pension benefits to reflect the receipt of $200 in wage income was proper, as it did not exceed the statutory limit and the veteran had reported this change in income.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining clinical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for disability exhibited by joint pain and ulcers, as well as his claim for post-traumatic stress disorder. The denial was based on a lack of current evidence related to his period of service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the appellant's right inguinal hernia residuals, currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence did not support a higher evaluation as there was no recurrence of the hernia and no need for a truss or belt.

The veteran's appeal is about restoring the previous rating of 20 percent for his right wrist condition, and he needs to provide additional evidence for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's emphysema or other lung disease was not related to his active duty service and denied the claim.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis as a residual of an allergic reaction to penicillin, and will now consider whether this condition was incurred in or aggravated by active service.