Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA benefits, finding that he did not have qualifying service and thus was not a veteran eligible for VA benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial (compensable) rating for a diverticulum of the duodenum in June 1984, finding that the disability was not more than mild.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic sinus condition that was incurred or aggravated during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, finding no current disability and thus no basis to grant service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of colon cancer is not related to his asbestos exposure during military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's application for enrollment in the VA medical healthcare system was denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria and his income exceeded the low-income threshold.

The veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 30, 2003 for service connection of thrombophlebitis of the right leg and PTSD have been denied. The issue of a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected loss of teeth and bone in the mandible caused his dyspepsia, but did not cause his gastritis, duodenitis, or hiatal hernia. The claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for dental trauma is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing at the RO, and will notify the appellant if further action is required.

The veteran incurred unauthorized medical expenses at UMC in Cheyenne, Wyoming for a left heart catheterization and ventriculography. The VAMC has denied the claim on the basis that VA facilities were feasibly available and treatment could have been delayed over the weekend. The Board is remanding the case to clarify reimbursement status, obtain missing records, and seek medical opinions regarding whether the condition was emergent and if VA or Federal facilities were feasible.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD substantially and materially contributed to his arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which caused his death.

The May 1966 rating decision denying service connection for a bilateral eye disorder was not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The RO also denied the veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral eye disorder.

The Board granted service connection for chondromalacia of both knees with a 10% disability rating effective as of December 14, 1974. The veteran seeks an earlier effective date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for left eye impaired vision, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the appellant's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA death pension benefits, finding that it would not be against equity and good conscience to require repayment.

The veteran's lower spine disorder is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted based on moderate recurring attacks and slight to moderate limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current chronic constipation is not related to his constipation during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran has residuals of a thymoma incurred in active duty and service connection is granted.

The Board has ordered a remand for the veteran to be afforded another VA examination to determine if her arthritis of the hips is related to her military service or caused by her service-connected knee disabilities. The case will then be readjudicated based on this new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's varicose veins on the left lower extremity warrant a 40 percent rating, as they are manifested by edema and stasis pigmentation but not persistent ulceration or massive board-like edema.