Other conditions decisions — 2008

The claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center was denied due to non-return of a request for additional information from UAMS.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the appellant's claimed period of active service, which could affect their eligibility for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected gastric ulcer with ulcerative colitis warrants a maximum assignable 100 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including providing proper VCAA notice and obtaining medical records from Dr. Perez.

The case is being remanded for additional development to address the veteran's eligibility for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 32, and to clarify whether he converted his Veteran's Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) contributions to Chapter 32 benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's condition required continued hospital care from February 23, 2005 through February 24, 2005 at Baptist Medical Center due to his medical instability and risk of sepsis. As VA facilities were not feasibly available during this period, payment or reimbursement for these expenses is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is inextricably intertwined with his eligibility for enrollment in the VA healthcare system. The Board has therefore remanded both claims to allow for further adjudication.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional evidence, including service medical records and personnel files. The veteran's eligibility for educational benefits will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Board has denied service connection for hereditary spherocytosis and granted service connection for gallstones and their residuals (cholecystectomy).

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's death as a result of a stroke was not caused by any error in judgment, carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA, and thus compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are denied.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Board hearing.

The veteran's service-connected fatigue, abdominal pain with diarrhea, night sweats, bilateral elbow pain, intermittent paresthesia of both lower extremities, and sleep disorder are manifested by symptoms that interfere with routine daily activities but do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right and left leg disabilities, finding that the veteran's compartment syndrome did not more closely approximate severe muscle disability than moderately severe or moderate muscle disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's impotency and peptic ulcer disease were aggravated by medications prescribed by VA, warranting compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 27, 2000 for the grant of service connection for loss of the sense of taste. The effective date is fixed at October 27, 2000 as this was the date of receipt of the initial claim.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence of a current bilateral leg disorder or psychosis, and the veteran did not have these conditions during service. The claim for a stress related disorder was also denied as there was no credible evidence showing its existence in service.,There is insufficient medical evidence to support the claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues, and the appellant is entitled to a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for emotional instability with enuresis, thus denying the reopening of this claim.

The Board found no evidence of a current liver, sinus, or throat disorder and denied service connection for all three conditions.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to determine the etiology of the veteran's gastrointestinal disorder and chest pain, as well as whether these conditions are related to her military service.