Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left leg disability, including residuals of fracture of the left tibia and fibula with ossification between the left tibia and fibula distally, is at least as likely as not attributable to a severe sprain of his left ankle during service.

The Board found that the veteran's current focal neuropathies, including those of the ulnar nerves bilaterally and the right peroneal nerve, did not develop in service or due to military exposure. The decision concluded that these conditions are unrelated to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his bilateral knee patellofemoral syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a lung disorder, including hypoxemia, as there was no new and material evidence submitted.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's death to any service-connected condition or a disease that may have been incurred during his military service. The cause of death was determined to be cardiopulmonary arrest with an underlying cause of acute bronchopneumonia, but there is no clear connection to service.

The Board has determined that medical expenses reported after the death of the veteran's stepfather can be considered in determining eligibility for accrued benefits for the purpose of receiving reimbursement for last medical and burial expenses paid on behalf of the veteran's stepfather.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for patellar chondromalacia of the left knee, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of improved death pension benefits, in the calculated amount of $32,512.24, due to the appellant's financial hardship and inability to repay.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic left foot injury residuals, specifically his left great toe fracture residuals, are service-connected as they arose from an inservice accident.

The veteran's service-connected temporomandibular joint dysfunction is currently rated at 0 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral diffuse optic atrophy was incurred during his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected left foot disability, consisting of a healed fracture of the distal aspect of the proximal fifth toe, calcaneal spur, post-traumatic deformity and flaring of the base of the first metatarsal, and post-traumatic arthritic changes, is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied increased ratings for gout of the right hand and left hand, instability of the left knee, and calcaneal spurs in both feet. The appeal is dismissed as to these issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for residuals of hysterectomy is granted, as her polycystic ovarian disease in service led to a hysterectomy.

The Board denied the appellant's request for a waiver to recover an overpayment of death pension benefits, finding that recovery would not be against equity and good conscience due to her fault in failing to report income changes.

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained a jaw injury while on active duty, resulting in loss of teeth and a postoperative jaw disability. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a bone condition or blackouts related to Agent Orange exposure, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his organic affective disorder, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a head injury resulting in organic brain syndrome, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and a left knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.