Other conditions decisions — 2011

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected right forearm muscle injury does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating, as it is only mildly disabling.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's enrollment in an on-the-job training program for Police Communications Operator at the Glendale Police Department from January 16, 2006 to January 16, 2007 was not approved by a State Approving Agency before or during her participation. As such, she is denied VA educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill or MGIB).

The Veteran's claim for Chapter 30 educational assistance is denied as he did not meet the service requirements due to his discharge being for convenience of the government and not meeting the required 30 months of continuous service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Ripon Medical Center on August 12, 2008 are granted as the condition was of such severity that a prudent layperson would have expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention to be hazardous. Additionally, it was not feasible for the Veteran to seek treatment from VA facilities.

The Veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from October 11, 2008 to October 23, 2008 were denied as he was deemed stable for transfer or discharge by VA facilities before the end of his hospitalization.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility was denied because the claim was not filed within 90 days after discharge from emergency treatment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypoglycemia as it is not considered a compensable disability entity and does not represent an underlying disease or injury resulting in an impairment of earning capacity.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have reactive arthritis that is attributable to his active military service. The medical evidence does not support a connection between the Veteran's in-service gastrointestinal infection and his current reactive arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case for further review and consideration due to a Joint Motion filed by the Court, which indicated there is a duty to assist the Veteran with his claim. The Veteran's service-connected residuals of colon cancer are being evaluated again, and he should provide a rationale from his private physician regarding his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran not reporting for a VA examination and providing additional evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral otitis externa was found to have its onset during service and has persisted, warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an informed consent form and a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's additional disability was due to VA carelessness or negligence.

The case is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of any current gastroenterology disabilities and whether they are related to service-connected conditions or medication.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of post-service basal cell carcinomas.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected chondromalacia, left patella with lateral collateral ligament instability is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder is currently manifested by symptoms including memory impairment, panic attacks, disturbed sleep, occasional visual hallucinations, and frequent depression. The preponderance of the evidence indicates that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to maintain gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg disability is not related to his military service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.