Other conditions Board decisions

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected dysthymia, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ear disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation due to lack of current symptoms such as suppuration or aural polyps. The veteran's hearing loss was rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 6100.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as the earliest possible effective date is July 25, 1997.

The Board has determined that VA did not authorize (contract for) hospital care and/or medical services provided the veteran at Worcester State Hospital during a period of commitment beginning on September 20, 1995. Consequently, the appellant may recover expenses associated with such care and services only if entitlement to VA payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is demonstrated under specific provisions.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's defective hearing rating from 50% to 10% was proper based on the improvement in his hearing acuity as evidenced by recent audiometric tests.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood does not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of compensation benefits related to dependency benefits paid for his former wife, Betty, in the amount of $11,694 due to a lack of timely submission of a substantive appeal.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured nose are currently productive of only slight symptomatology, with no evidence of marked interference with breathing spaces or significant obstruction of the nasal passages. As such, an increased evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the current record is not sufficient to make a decision on the claim and has ordered further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for an examination by a physician.

The Board found that the appellant filed a timely request for waiver of recovery of her overpayment of VA death pension benefits, and thus granted the claim.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for right hand Dupuytren's contracture.

The veteran's service-connected disability of left thalamic lesions with decreased sensation of the right side of the body was previously established by a June 1998 rating decision and remains in effect. The RO has denied an increased evaluation for his service-connected psychoneurosis.

The veteran is granted a 60% evaluation for his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus at L5-S1 and L4-L5 levels, effective August 17, 1995.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected strain of the sacrospinalis muscles with degenerative joint disease, currently rated at 40 percent. The RO has requested additional information and development regarding this claim.

The veteran's claim for service connection under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities resulting from VA treatment, and the veteran lacks the expertise to evaluate medical adequacy.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected right heel fracture with spurring, finding no objective evidence of disabling manifestations that would support a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's request to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the veteran for VA benefits due to lack of legal validity of her marriages and failure to meet all criteria set forth in the regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's iliotibial band syndrome did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating than 20 percent on either side, as it was only moderate in severity.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for residuals of pneumonia, finding that the additional evidence did not present new and material information.

The veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment is granted. The claim for an effective date earlier than May 1984, for the assignment of a 30 percent rating for scars of the right arm with retained foreign body in soft tissue and sensory loss in ulnar nerve distribution, is also granted.