Other conditions decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiopulmonary disorder, finding no direct link between his current condition and his period of active duty. The appellant had shortness of breath noted in service but no other cardiac issues were found. He was diagnosed with ischemic cardiomyopathy many years after service.

The Board denied the appeal, finding that the appellant's discharge from military service in March 1969 under other than honorable conditions constitutes a bar to VA benefits except for health care.

The Board granted the waiver of recovery of an overpayment of improved death pension benefits in the amount of $958, finding that collection would not violate principles of equity and good conscience.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the veteran's right hand disability, specifically his service-connected injuries to the 4th and 5th fingers, did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent due to limited motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of shell fragment wound of the left forearm, with radial nerve damage, meet the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected dysthymia did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent, and denied his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability. The evidence showed that while the veteran had significant psychiatric symptoms, they were not severe enough to prevent him from maintaining employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for alopecia areata, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated during a period of active service. The evidence showed that alopecia areata first manifested in June 1992 and there is no record of the appellant engaging in active duty for training with the Army National Guard in June 1992.

The Board has determined that the veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus warrants a 60 percent evaluation, effective from November 4, 1993.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a nervous disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examiners with updated information.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right hand disability, specifically involving the second and fifth digits, does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating schedule. The evidence shows no limitation of motion or functional impairment in these fingers.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for varicose veins and granted it. The issue of service connection for moles on the feet is addressed in the remand section.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence submitted since the final April 1956 determination.

The Board found that the overpayment of $125 in VA improved pension benefits was properly created, based on the evidence and without finding administrative error.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation greater than 50 percent for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, finding that the current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a pulmonary examination to determine the nature and etiology of any respiratory disability due to service-connected malignant lymphoma.