Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran did not have any chronic injuries or disabilities of the hands, feet, or joints due to exposure to cold conditions during his military service. The claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence supporting a link between current symptoms and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is currently in remission and does not warrant an increased evaluation. The scar, status post splenectomy, also does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for myeloproliferative disorder, finding that no claim was filed prior to February 24, 2005.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for payment of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at LDS Hospital from August 18 to August 20, 2002 due to an emergency myocardial infarction.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date for death pension benefits with aid and attendance, finding that she abandoned her original claim in February 2004 and did not submit a new claim prior to December 12, 2005.

The veteran's appeal is denied as she did not meet the criteria for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility due to an emergency condition.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of a left inguinal hernia, including atrophied left testicle with infrequent left epididymis swelling, are rated as 10 percent disabling effective August 10, 2005.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility from September to November 2005 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and representation.

The case is being remanded for additional development to determine the veteran's income and whether he meets the requirements for pension benefits, including a permanent and total disability rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and further development is required.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cause of death, metastatic colon cancer, was service-connected due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The appellant is also eligible for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for back and neck disorders was denied as the incident causing his injuries occurred outside of the scope of VA care, not due to hospitalization or treatment provided by VA.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder of the ears as secondary to hearing aids used due to service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent.

The case is being remanded to the RO/AMC for initial review and consideration of new evidence, including VA and non-VA medical records, as well as Social Security Administration disability determination. The AMC/RO will also obtain the veteran's final treatment records from the Baptist Medical Center.

The Board found that a partial waiver of recovery for an overpayment of $1759.40 is granted, holding the veteran responsible for repayment of $879.70.

The Board found that the evidence does not establish a current lung disorder or link it to service, and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for VCAA notification and consideration of the veteran's claim.

The veteran's borderline personality disorder is not considered a disease or injury for VA disability compensation purposes, leading to the denial of her claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and rendered moot the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for decreased visual acuity, claimed as the result of cataracts, macular degeneration, and the postoperative residuals of bilateral pterygia.