Other conditions decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility on December 29, 2003 was denied as he did not meet the criteria for payment under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, finding that his cold weather exposure during military service did not result in any sustained injury and is not related to the eventual onset of avascular necrosis.

The Board dismissed the claim because the appellant died during the appeal process and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the case.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting left elbow disability was not aggravated by service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral cataracts are not related to service exposure, and denied all other issues.

The veteran's application for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance was denied because it was not timely filed. The case is being remanded to the ROIC for further review and consideration of all submitted evidence.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against an increased (compensable) rating for the veteran's service-connected left fibula fracture residuals with subjective stiffness in the leg, and thus denies this claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PID, service connection for residuals of IUD insertion and removal (the issue was withdrawn), service connection for MIs and CVAs, and service connection for lupus anticoagulopathy. The claim to reopen her vasovagal syncope claim was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to determine if any current gastrointestinal disorder is related to service or due to PTSD. The issue of secondary service connection will also be addressed.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hydrocephalus, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for the lumbar spine disability and an increased rating for T-11 fracture residuals. The veteran's claim for a combined rating was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive coronary artery disease as secondary to service-connected hypertension, and denied the claim of a respiratory condition.

The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the highest rating available under current criteria. The hyperpigmentation condition has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastrointestinal disability, which more nearly approximated severe disablement in the year prior to his death, contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death. By resolving all doubts in favor of the appellant, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment in the amount of $21,855 is against equity and good conscience due to the appellant's lack of education and her limited sophistication.

The Board finds that the veteran's left foot degenerative joint disease is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back and Morton's neuroma disorders, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current gastrointestinal disorder is related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his shrapnel wounds to both buttocks and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.