Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Crohn's disease, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service disease or injury and that the symptoms are not due to an undiagnosed illness. The preponderance of the evidence does not support the claim.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for Reiter's syndrome of the lumbar spine and cervical spine were denied. The lumbar spine claim was not granted as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past year. For the period prior to October 27, 2005, the cervical spine claim was not granted as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, severe recurrent attacks of intervertebral disc syndrome with intermittent relief or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks during the past year. For the period from October 27, 2005, forward, the cervical spine claim was not granted as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.

The veteran's request for a waiver of the recovery of an overpayment of VA improved pension benefits in the amount of $4,800 was denied. The case is being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case and schedule a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection as there is no evidence of chronic otitis media in service or for several years thereafter, and his current disability is not related to disease or injury in service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for ischemic optic neuritis due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to active duty or reserve status.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cardiovascular issues, including mitral valve regurgitation and atrial fibrillation, are reasonably due to scarlet fever from service, leading to rheumatic heart disease.

The Board denied service connection for shortness of breath and diarrhea, finding no objective evidence of current disabilities. The veteran's complaints were not shown to be chronic.

The veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected left leg disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to June 22, 2005 and did not show persistent ulceration after that date.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected conditions, trochanteric bursitis of the left hip and gunshot wound to the left thigh, are being remanded due to the need for new examinations.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to secondary and undiagnosed illness theories. The RO must provide proper VCAA notice, schedule a VA examination, and then review the expanded record to determine if service connection is warranted.

The veteran died of a non-service-connected myocardial infarction at a private hospital. The VA did not provide care, and the veteran had no pending claims for compensation or pension. Therefore, burial benefits are denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, finding that the evidence does not support a rating higher than 30 percent from December 2002 to June 30, 2005, and no more than 60 percent beginning June 30, 2005.

The Board found that the veteran's pension benefits were terminated due to his incarceration for a felony conviction, and ruled in favor of the termination.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by VA medical care or treatment, and thus denied DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected left anterior ramus stress fracture, finding that a higher disability rating was not warranted at any time during the appeal period.

The Board found that the appellant did not submit new and material evidence to reopen his claim for revocation of forfeiture, so the previous decision remains final.

The Board has determined that additional notification is required and the case must be remanded for proper VCAA notice.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for timely filing of a notice of disagreement and reopening his claim to establish veteran status due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to incomplete medical records, need for further examinations, and other procedural issues.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased evaluation of his left shoulder disability, currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence showed mild to moderate limitation of movement but no indication of fibrous union or loss of head of the humerus.