Other conditions Board decisions

The case is being remanded to the regional office for further action, including contacting the appropriate United States Bankruptcy Court and determining whether collection action on the debt will be pursued or if the debt has been discharged in bankruptcy.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private hospital care is granted as the treatment was necessary due to an emergent medical condition and no VA facility was feasibly available.

The veteran's postoperative fracture and dislocation of C6-7 is rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 40 percent rating is warranted based on severe intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks.

The veteran's claims for a higher initial evaluation for prostate cancer and a compensable rating for his right tibia fracture were denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased disability rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic upper respiratory disability and residuals of a ventral hernia were not well-grounded. His claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus was granted, but his other claims for compensable evaluations for hearing loss, tonsillectomy residuals, fracture of the right thumb, and laceration of the left forearm were not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cerebrovascular accident suffered while on inactive duty for training, finding that it was not an injury but rather a disease process.

The Board dismissed the motion seeking to review a final decision denying Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits due to CUE, as the motion was withdrawn before a decision could be made.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a traveling member of the Board.

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for HIV, effective from August 13, 1996. The rating was increased to 30 percent on July 24, 1998.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right eye injury due to lack of competent medical evidence linking his current condition to an in-service injury.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a waiver of overpayment of nonservice-connected disability pension benefits in the amount of $8,080.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the appellant's claims and the need for further development of evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for nerve damage, arthritis, varicose veins, and emphysema due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a mental disability, concluding that there was no well-grounded evidence to support the claim.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's pancreatic cancer to his active service, including as a prisoner of war. The claim for service connection for the cause of death was denied.

The Board has granted waiver of recovery for the overpayment of $872.00 in nonservice-connected pension benefits due to undue financial hardship.

The veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of frozen feet is denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during his military service.

The evidence submitted since the March 1968 Board decision is new and material, allowing the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis to be reopened.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for dysthymia effective from May 6, 1999. The appellant's disability is characterized by difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, impaired impulse control, near continuous depression affecting his ability to function appropriately and effectively, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The case is being remanded to the RO for further action, including an audit of the debt and a determination on its validity. The appellant's gambling losses should be deducted from his winnings, and VA medical records related to his pathological gambling disorder must be obtained.