Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's daughter is requesting a hearing before the RO to discuss her claim for an extension of educational assistance benefits. The case has been remanded due to this request.

The Veteran's claim for VA education benefits related to his police officer training program with the [redacted] Police Department was denied as there is no effective date prior to July 16, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility is denied as his condition was not emergent and reasonable efforts to seek VA treatment were possible.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital from June 5, 2010 to June 7, 2010 is denied as he did not receive VA care within the past 24 months preceding the emergency treatment.

The Board has determined that the appellant is recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes, and therefore her appeal to be granted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA skin examination to determine if any current skin disorder is related to service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the July 2005 award of service connection for reactive airway dysfunction was clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to incorrect application of the law, specifically regarding the Veteran's National Guard service. As a result, the service connection is being severed.

The Veteran experienced erosion of the enamel of her teeth as a result of exposure to vomit caused by her service-connected bulimia. The Board finds that this condition is secondary to her service-connected bulimia nervosa.

The Board has determined that Crohn's disease had its onset during service and is therefore granted as service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for defective vision in a March 2011 written communication.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim can be fully adjudicated, including providing appropriate notice to the Appellant and considering all submitted evidence.

The appellant has withdrawn their appeal, and as a result, the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining dental records and a VA examination to determine the relationship between his TMJ/TMD and service or any aggravation by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's disability compensation benefits were improperly terminated from October 31, 2005 to March 15, 2007 due to fugitive felon status. The Board found that the Veteran was not a fugitive felon during this period and thus termination of benefits was improper.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse, finding that she was not married to the Veteran at the time of his death and therefore lacks basic eligibility for VA benefits on the basis of her claims status as the Veteran's surviving spouse.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atrial fibrillation disorder pre-existed his period of active duty service and was aggravated by a service-connected anxiety disorder related to readjustment after deployment. The appeal is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current actinic keratosis is of service origin and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his current heart conditions are related to service-connected hypertension.