Other conditions decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's right eye disability is not service connected as it was not caused by his service-connected left eye disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of a psychotic disorder, finding that it was not clearly and unmistakably preexisting service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, including shell fragment wound residuals, diverticulitis, and diverticulosis, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disorder is not related to his service, including presumed herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a lung disorder, eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome with gastric residuals, and dry eye syndrome as secondary to service-connected eosinophilia. The veteran's claims were also denied for an increased evaluation for eosinophilia.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have stomach problems other than her service-connected GERD. The preponderance of evidence indicates no chronic stomach condition (claimed as female problems) was incurred during active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a chronic gum disorder, finding that his claim was not well-grounded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The cause of death was a cerebrovascular accident, which is not shown to be related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Board found that the veteran's overpayment of $23,895 in VA pension benefits was created due to VA's failure to properly include his wife's receipt of Social Security benefits. The Board concluded that recovery would be against equity and good conscience, thus granting a waiver of this debt.

The Board has determined that the veteran incurred a right thumb disorder as a result of his active service and denied service connection for a disorder of both little fingers.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are due to degenerative joint disease, not Osgood-Schlatter's disease. Therefore, higher ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities are denied.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his right-lung, recurrent, spontaneous pneumothorax is being remanded due to insufficient examination results and the need for further development of medical records.

The Board denied service connection for a back injury and found that no new and material evidence had been presented to reopen the claim for an eye injury.

The veteran seeks service connection for dementia, but the case is remanded to secure a neurological opinion regarding the relationship between his naval boxing career and current dementia.

The Board found no service-connected disability that caused or contributed to the veteran's death. The appellant is not entitled to accrued benefits as there was no pending claim at the time of her husband's death. The veteran's military service is also not qualifying service for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have bunions of the left foot and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 for paralysis of both lower extremities, which he claims was caused by the discontinuation of Coumadin on April 26, 2001. The VA has ordered additional medical opinions and records to be obtained before a decision can be made.

The veteran's appeal is denied as he does not have any service-connected disabilities and his income exceeded the maximum annual rate of pension for a veteran with no dependents.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized non-VA medical expenses incurred during his hospitalization and outpatient visits is denied as he does not meet the criteria for such reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection of a left leg disorder characterized as post-phlebitic syndrome with vein stripping disorder, finding that it is related to active service due to aggravation of pre-existing conditions and trauma.