Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the appellant's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of benefits in the original amount of $7,034.00 was not timely received and denied.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on September 9, 2008 is granted as the criteria under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725 have been met.

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including exposure to herbicides. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for alopecia areata and loss of use of a creative organ (low sperm count) due to herbicide exposure in the form of Agent Orange. The Veteran's claims were supported by credible lay evidence, including his testimony at hearing and statements from family members.

The Board finds that the service-connected heart murmur in service caused or contributed to the Veteran's acute myocardial infarction, which was the cause of death. As such, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current testicular disability is related to his in-service symptoms and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperglycemia, and denied his increased rating claim for right lower extremity radiculitis. The Veteran's weight gain and Cushingoid habitus were rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hip myofascial syndrome and bursitis are not related to her in-service stress fractures, and there is no evidence of a right hip disability. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hip/leg disability is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by an injury or disease incurred during service, nor is it presumed to have been caused by exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection for cause of death was denied.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease was rated at 40 percent prior to March 5, 2010, and at 60 percent thereafter. The current rating of 60 percent is maintained.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected sacroiliac fracture residuals effective November 12, 2009. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has determined that a compensable evaluation of 10 percent is warranted for the left index finger disability based on interference with overall function of the left hand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's numbness of the right upper extremity did not have its onset during active service or result from disease or injury in service. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis and peripheral vascular disease were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the reduction of pension benefits was proper due to the Veteran's failure to report his spouse's SSA income, resulting in an overpayment. The effective date is from November 1, 2006 to February 1, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the neck and back is being remanded due to inadequate development. The Board instructed a VA examiner to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his service or service-connected conditions, but did not receive such an opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's head injury was not due to his own willful misconduct, and thus service connection for residuals of head injury is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, resulting in a denial of this appeal.

The Veteran's otitis externa is characterized by occasional itching and irritation, but without evidence of swelling, scaling, serous discharge, or frequent and prolonged treatment. The criteria for a compensable disability rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right elbow, including any impairment to muscle groups V or VI. The claim will be returned to the Board after the examination.