Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the service-connected right inguinal hernia, finding that it is not well supported by a truss or readily reducible.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for status post diskectomy, back and residuals of right elbow fracture are not well-grounded. The appellant did not provide sufficient medical evidence to support his claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a stressor during service, and the need for further development of medical records from PHS and National Archives.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as it is not within its jurisdiction to adjudicate issues other than the waiver of a duplication fee. The veteran's request for service connection for a left ankle disability and any other issues have been withdrawn.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his period of active duty service or to Agent Orange exposure. The claim for tobacco use and/or nicotine dependence was also denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation than the current 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim as he is not pursuing a program of rehabilitation, education or training under Chapter 30, 31, 32 or 34 of title 38, United States Code, or Chapter 106 of title 10, United States Code.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment would be against equity and good conscience, thus granting the veteran's request for waiver.

The VA has determined that the veteran's low back disability, characterized as postoperative residuals of a herniated nucleus pulposus with fusion of L-3 to sacrum, does not warrant an evaluation higher than 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GBS is not currently active and does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection, DEA eligibility, and special monthly compensation due to lack of evidence showing entitlement or permanent disability.

The Board found that the claim was not well-grounded and denied service connection for a left hip disorder.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain and shortness of breath are granted. The claim for an increased rating for depressive neurosis is granted from November 26, 1995 to November 7, 1996, but not after that date.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his Coronary Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is granted, with the effective date to be determined based on new evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for service-connected laceration of the dorsum of the right hand with a tender scar and multiple reconstructive tendon surgeries of the right hand secondary to laceration with reflex sympathetic dystrophy are pending further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the neck, back, and right hip as there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected right knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional impairment or limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for disability of the spine and back is well-grounded. The veteran's claims for residuals of a concussion and skull fracture, bilateral leg disability (other than chondromalacia), bilateral arm disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral hand disability are not well grounded.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death secondary to tobacco use in service and nicotine dependence arising in service, finding that her claims were not well grounded.

The Board determined that the appellant is not entitled to recognition as the surviving spouse of the veteran due to a lack of credible evidence showing a valid marriage between them.