Other conditions decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her stress fracture of the right inferior pubic ramus with right hip impairment has been granted, and she is currently receiving a 20 percent evaluation. The effective date remains pending as it was not specified in the decision.

The Board has determined that the cause of death (congestive heart failure) was aggravated by service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, warranting service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has restored noncompensable service connection for a dental disorder (periodonitis) and has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertensive vascular disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and determination of whether any pre-existing eye disorder was aggravated by the veteran's active duty for special work.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim of entitlement to recognition as the surviving spouse of the veteran for VA benefits purposes based on new and material evidence submitted since the last final decision. The underlying claim is addressed in a separate remand.

The RO granted a higher rating for the veteran's right leg disability from 10 to 20 percent effective August 13, 2003. The veteran believes he is entitled to an earlier effective date of June 28, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence indicating a possible chronic pancreatic disorder, and further examination is needed.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for arthritis and degenerative joint disease of multiple joints, as secondary to service-connected bilateral foot deformity (flat feet). The most persuasive medical opinion on the question of a nexus between current disabilities and service-connected flat feet weighs against the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for congestive cardiomyopathy, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to service.

The veteran's overpayment of pension benefits is under review due to a warrant issue. The Board has decided to remand the case for further investigation and determination.

The Board finds that there is no competent evidence linking the veteran's current left eye disability to his service, including a 1976 injury. The claim for service connection for residuals of a left eye injury is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right acromioclavicular separation with traumatic arthritis warrants a 20 percent disability rating, based on limitation of motion to shoulder level.

The Board found that the veteran knowingly submitted fraudulent certifications relating to his inability to be employed due to age and health problems, leading to forfeiture of all rights, claims, and benefits under VA laws.

The VA determined that the veteran's sacroiliac strain does not warrant a higher evaluation, as it did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his asbestos-related lung disorder was denied as the evidence did not show a more severe pulmonary condition.

The Board has ordered further development to determine if the appellant was correctly identified as a fugitive felon under relevant VA regulations, and her dependency and indemnity compensation benefits were discontinued due to this determination. The case is now remanded for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that there is not enough information to determine if the current offset from VA disability compensation for payments under FECA (OWCP) is proper. The case is REMANDED to obtain the underlying medical records from OWCP.

The veteran's application for enrollment in the VA healthcare system was denied due to his assignment to Priority Group 8 and applying after January 17, 2003.

The veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from December 12, 2004 to December 14, 2004 are denied as the veteran had coverage under a health-plan contract (Medicare) for at least part of the non-VA medical treatment.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any residuals of a right eye chemical burn and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.