Other conditions Board decisions

The veteran's initial compensable evaluation for Hodgkin's disease has been denied as the condition is in remission and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected bilateral shin splints, finding that the condition produces functional impairment similar to arthritis with no limitation of motion but with X-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints.

The veteran's current restrictive lung disease was not caused by any incident of service, including asbestos exposure. The Board found that the condition began many years after service and was not due to reported asbestos exposure in service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for non-service-connected burial benefits, finding that she was not entitled to these benefits due to various eligibility requirements and because the veteran did not receive pension or compensation at the time of his death.

The VA Debt Management Center denied the appellant's request for a waiver of recovery of a loan guaranty indebtedness in the amount of $11,633.73, plus accrued interest because it was not filed within one year as required by regulation.

The veteran's death was due to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which the appellant claims is related to military service. However, as the veteran did not establish service connection for any disabilities during his lifetime and died without meeting the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, the claim is denied.

The Board has determined that further development of the record is needed to evaluate the severity of the service-connected status post abdominal hernia repair with residuals of multiple recurrences of supraumbilical hernias, including obtaining recent treatment records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's spouse, who has residual weakness of the right upper and lower extremities following a cerebrovascular accident, is not disabled to the extent required for aid and attendance benefits.

The veteran's claim for service connection for cold injury residuals is being remanded due to the need to obtain his service personnel records and medical treatment records. The VA will also conduct a VA examination to determine if he has any lower or upper extremity disabilities linked to cold injuries.

The veteran's aneurysm, right superficial femoral artery with saphenous vein graft, is rated at 60 percent disabling. The service-connected postoperative hypoesthesia of the left ring and middle finger (minor) is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for bullous emphysema and a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of spontaneous pneumothorax. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board denied service connection for an orthopedic disability of multiple joints to include the right shoulder, right knee, back, and neck due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active military duty.

The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected imbalance with nonlocalizing nystagmus warranted a 10 percent disability evaluation, and denied any higher rating.

The veteran's claim for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of $633 in VA pension benefits was denied due to bad faith on his part.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for otitis media from 50 percent to 10 percent is proper and restored the original 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to a lack of verified military service in the United States Armed Forces.

The Board found that the veteran does not have any current gynecological disability and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have any additional disability caused by VA medical or surgical treatment of ventral hernia surgery in January 2000, and therefore, denies the claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and development of his medical records.

The Board found no current evidence of a bilateral hip disorder and denied service connection for this condition.