Other conditions decisions — 2011

The appellant requested a videoconference hearing, but did not appear. The case is being remanded to reschedule the hearing after her release from incarceration.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was received on November 9, 2007. The appellant submitted a VA Form 21-4138 indicating the Veteran had passed away on December [redacted], 2007. However, as the Veteran's eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits terminated prior to payment becoming due or payable, the appellant is not entitled to accrued benefits based on any posthumous award of nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at Shands Jacksonville Hospital on January 2, 2009 was denied because the condition did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment and there were no other conditions met under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including medical records and documentation of work absences. The case will be readjudicated after these are obtained.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not considered to be due to exposure to Agent Orange during his service, and thus the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for travel pay for fee-basis treatment between January 2008 and February 2009 was denied as he did not file a claim within the required 30-day period.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left lower extremity weakness and pain are not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination. The evidence does not support a finding of actual causation.

The Veteran did not file a claim for the benefit in question prior to his death, and therefore does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. The appellant is denied legal entitlement.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of basic eligibility for VA disability benefits, thus granting the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of left varicocele surgery are not shown to warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. The Board finds no evidence of recurrent symptomatic infection requiring drainage or frequent hospitalization, and the disability does not cause poor renal function.

The Veteran's left middle finger disability was granted a 10 percent rating, effective from November 5, 2003. The Veteran's right and left foot disabilities were denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral eye disability with pterygium was aggravated by service beyond the natural progress of the disease, and therefore service connection is granted.

The Veteran's lung disability, including pleural plaques, was not shown to be causally related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of narcolepsy is related to his active duty service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits determination. The case will be readjudicated after securing the additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim was partially granted, with a 30 percent disability rating for neurological impairment of the left lower extremity effective September 11, 2007. The earlier effective date claim is pending and will be decided separately.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's systemic sclerosis is related to his service, specifically cold exposure and in-service chemical exposures. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ulcerative colitis manifested during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran does not have a current disability of the eyes, to include blepharitis. The Board finds that service connection is not warranted.