Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as posttraumatic arthritis, did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial disability rating than 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for adding his stepson as a dependent, finding that the evidence was not submitted within one year of the RO's request in May 1998.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA treatment records and an orthopedic examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for congestive heart failure and a bowel disorder, finding no current diagnosed conditions or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right index finger and thumb disabilities, when considered together, warrant a single 30 percent rating based on favorable ankylosis in both joints.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a current eye disorder and there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. Therefore, service connection for a bilateral eye disorder is denied.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 31, 2003 for the grant of service connection for urethral stricture with chronic dysuria and chronic prostatitis is being remanded due to a potential issue of clear and unmistakable error in the previous denial of his original application.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including locating missing service medical records and considering VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to new information about the veteran's current neurological problems and the need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the appellant did not have qualifying service and therefore is not eligible for VA benefits to include nonservice-connected disability pension.

The Board has granted a 20% rating for duodenal ulcer disease and denied the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's application for VA health care was denied because he is in the lowest priority category (priority category 8) and his income exceeds the geographic-means test, as per a change in VA regulation effective January 17, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for gunshot wound right thigh, but denied service connection for soft tissue sarcoma. The veteran's current right thigh induration area is related to a gunshot wound in service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for colon polyps, basal cell carcinoma, and a disability manifested by urinary bleeding. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the waiver of recovery of an overpayment of education benefits under Chapter 35 in the amount of $1,606.13 due to the appellant's actions and lack of fault on VA's part.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the residuals of a small bowel obstruction, effective from the date of initial entitlement.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a left leg muscle injury, which he claims was caused by his service-connected lumbar spine condition and other disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's left leg muscle injury.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right hand disorders has been granted, with a 50 percent rating effective December 24, 2002. The decision also includes the grant of service connection for a dental disorder, which is not before the Board.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses and associated air ambulance transportation.

The Board has remanded the case for a travel board hearing at the RO due to the retirement of the Veterans Law Judge who conducted the personal hearing.