Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded back to the RO for a VA examination by an oncologist to determine the date of onset and etiology of the veteran's left breast cancer.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for each of the veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities, finding that they more nearly approximate moderately severe impairment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy and resolved prostatitis, which he claims is due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and TDIU benefits, finding no evidence of prior informal or formal claims within one year before September 20, 2000.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and the court's decision invalidating certain regulations. The case is now remanded for additional examination and consideration.

The veteran's unauthorized private outpatient surgery for actinic keratosis in May 2001 was denied reimbursement because the VA determined that waiting and traveling to a VA appointment would not have been hazardous to his health, and other feasible options were available.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a collarbone deformity, status post fracture and a right arm disability.

The veteran's former spouse is granted an apportionment of $103 per month from the date her divorce from the veteran was finalized until April 5, 2002.

The Board found that the overpayment of VA improved pension benefits was not properly created due to administrative error, and thus granted the veteran's appeal.

The Board found that the veteran's right elbow injury did not have its onset in service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board granted higher ratings for the service-connected varicose veins of each lower extremity and left knee disability, with a final rating of 20 percent for the left knee.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an issue not set forth as an issue on appeal in the Statement of the Case (SOC) issued in July 2001, which is whether the overpayment was properly created. The veteran's proper representative was not notified of the debt in May 2000.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disorder and an initial compensable rating for left forearm phlebitis, finding that there is no evidence of current disability related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for various conditions, including small bowel ischemic thrombosis with necrosis, memory loss, shrinking sex organ, chest pain, soft tissues, peripheral neuropathy, and arterial occlusive disease. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral otitis media, finding that there was no evidence of complications or other conditions warranting a higher rating. The veteran's hearing loss is rated as Level I and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted restoration of a 20 percent rating for the veteran's left eye pigment disruption, with scotoma and status post traumatic macular detachment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for VA benefits under Chapter 18 of the United States Code, as his daughter has been diagnosed with spina bifida occulta, which is not covered by the applicable laws and regulations used to determine eligibility for Chapter 18 benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran has a stomach disorder related to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection and increased evaluation, finding no evidence linking his current skin disorder or scalp laceration to service. The RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation for the scalp laceration.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have residuals of a head injury sustained during active service.