Other conditions Board decisions

The veteran's claim for service connection for episodic cramping of the right calf was denied as it was determined that his current condition is a manifestation of his already service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound to the same area. His claims for increased evaluations for both his service-connected residuals and PTSD were granted, with 10% and 30% ratings respectively.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claim of service connection for post-traumatic-stress-disorder because his timely substantive appeal was not filed within one year of the March 1998 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for revocation of forfeiture of entitlement to VA benefits was denied because no new and material evidence was submitted, and her previous claims were based on fraudulent statements.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left elbow disorder involving the synostosis of the left proximal radius and ulna was incurred as a result of active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) is likely due to exposure to herbicides during service, specifically Agent Orange. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The appellant's spouse had no recognized service, thus the appellant does not qualify for VA benefits.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right lower extremity disorder, to include right lower extremity amputation, which he contends was caused by VA medical care. The Board has determined that additional development of the case, including obtaining records and requesting an opinion from a medical expert, is necessary.

The veteran's failure to disclose his wife's income in 1995 resulted in an overpayment of pension benefits. The Board found that the veteran engaged in a misrepresentation by not reporting this information, and thus denied his request for waiver of recovery.

The Board has determined that the veteran's dysthymic disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent, as it meets the criteria for such an evaluation. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The veteran's service-connected multiple sclerosis has resulted in significant impairment of her lower extremities, warranting a rating of 40 percent for each affected limb. She is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for service connection for post traumatic stress disorder because he did not have active military, naval or air service.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected status post right inguinal herniorrhaphy, asymptomatic. The evidence did not show any complaints or treatment related to this condition since the last VA examination in April 1993.

The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain effective October 23, 2000. The veteran's claim for service connection for spinal stenosis at L3-L4 was denied due to lack of causal relationship with military service or a service-connected low back strain disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected Hodgkin's disease was denied as the residuals did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for shortness of breath, fatigue, back and body aches, and body and mouth sores claimed due to undiagnosed illness. The appellant's complaints were attributed to Sjogren's syndrome.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as his character of discharge from service is a bar to VA benefits due to an absence without official leave for at least 180 days, and no compelling circumstances were shown to warrant this prolonged absence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral loss of vision is not service-connected, as it is due to diabetic retinopathy which developed after service and is unrelated to any injury or disease in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 2, 1993, for a 10 percent disability rating for service-connected myositis of the right cervical paravertebral muscles and right shoulder impingement syndrome.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia was related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, granting service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment of improved disability pension benefits in the amount of $10,897 would not be against the principles of equity and good conscience.