Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his residuals of a minimal compression fracture of L1 and L2, left knee torn medial meniscus, and duodenal ulcer. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA benefits due to a lack of qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, as determined by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted by the appellant does not meet the criteria for reopening her claim of entitlement to recognition as the surviving spouse of the veteran for VA purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's mood disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine whether the veteran has current premature ventricular contractions or chest pain that was incurred in service, and if so, whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or more) that such disability began in service or is otherwise the result of a disease or injury in service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for essential thrombocythemia, stating that there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for right hydrocele and left epididymitis, finding no evidence of a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptomatology from service to the present. The veteran's statements regarding these conditions were not supported by medical evidence.

The Board granted service connection for the residuals of a left zygomatic arch fracture and assigned a noncompensable rating. The veteran's disability picture more nearly approximates moderate displacement of the maxilla, warranting a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9916.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for obesity, finding that it is not a recognized disease or disability subject to service connection and thus denying the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a stomach disorder, finding no evidence of such condition during or within one year after service. The veteran's separation examination was normal and there is no objective evidence of continuing complaints or symptoms for many years following service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diagnosed nocturnal myoclonus had its onset during active military service and is related to his service. As such, the veteran is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant lacks qualifying service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces and is therefore ineligible for VA compensation or pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to reimbursement for the full cost of transporting the deceased veteran's remains from the VA hospital to the funeral home, including costs incurred on May [redacted], 2005.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an extension of VA education benefits beyond December 2, 2004 as he had completed his pre-approved apprenticeship program and reached the journeyman wage rate by May 1, 2005.

The veteran's estate is denied payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred on August 27, 2004 at Johnson County Health Center.

The veteran was awarded a permanent and total disability rating based on service-connected disability in February 2004. The appellant, who is the veteran's daughter, filed for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits under Chapter 35 in April 2005. However, she did not meet the eligibility criteria as her date of birth was prior to the effective date of the permanent and total disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's mild thoracic sprain does not warrant an evaluation higher than 10 percent, as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or other impairment that would justify a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Halifax Medical Center on April 4, 2005 due to lack of pre-authorization and because VA facilities were feasibly available.

The veteran's family income for the year 2003 exceeded the threshold for eligibility to receive VA health care without a copayment requirement in 2004. As a result, his application was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left elbow fracture with loose fragments does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or other impairment that would justify such an increase.