Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's left elbow disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not warrant a higher rating based on his symptoms and range of motion.

The appellant's claim for non service connected death pension benefits in excess of $415 dollars per month is denied as she does not have an annual countable income warranting more than the current maximum rate.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of the Veteran's cause of death, finding that there was no evidence to support a prior effective date.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical services provided by Largo Medical Center from September 22 to September 24, 2006 are eligible for payment or reimbursement under the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical services provided by private facilities was denied as the Veteran is not eligible for such reimbursement due to his Medicare coverage.

The appellant does not have qualifying service as a Veteran, and his claim for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied.

The claim for death pension benefits was denied due to insufficient supporting documentation regarding the appellant's expenses. The RO should consider a check for funeral expenses and a deed for a cemetery plot, which were submitted after the SOC/SSOC were issued.

The Veteran's service did not meet the basic eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits as he did not serve during a recognized period of war.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bile duct cancer, which contributed to his death, was related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether VA provided adequate preventative care and if any additional disability resulting from VA treatment/surgery.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis, an increased rating for microadenoma of the pituitary gland, and service connection for a gastrointestinal and esophageal disability secondary to medications prescribed for osteoporosis.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, including as secondary to his back disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to lack of new and material evidence, as the submitted evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination and development, requiring further action by the RO.

The Veteran's chronic service-connected skin disability requires ongoing use of medications that cause irreparable damage to his outer garments, allowing him to receive a clothing allowance.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart murmur, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in current disability.

The Board found no evidence of a sleep disturbance or fatigue disorder during service, and the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection was denied as there is insufficient medical evidence to support the claim.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain dose estimates for the period the Veteran was stationed on Johnston Island, as part of a request under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye exotropia, a disability previously identified in service and continuing since then, meets the criteria for service connection.