Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran is seeking an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected syncope due to subdural hematoma. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical evidence and provide the Veteran with another VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bicuspid aortic valve, manifested by a heart murmur, was present during service and is not shown to have existed prior to service. Therefore, service connection for residuals of bicuspid aortic valve replacement, including a heart murmur, is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's congenital pulmonary blebs were subject to superimposed injuries during active military service, and therefore service connection for residuals of bilateral pneumothorax is granted.

The Board has determined that the preliminary issue of whether the overpayment was properly created (i.e., its validity) needs to be addressed before considering the Veteran's waiver request. The VA will need to provide explanations for the $32,286 payment and the March 2005 letter from the Debt Management Center stating that his account had been paid in full. Additionally, an updated Financial Status Report (FSR) is required to determine if there is undue hardship from collection on the debtor.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, Social Security Administration disability determination records, and a neuropsychological examination to address the nature and severity of his cavernous sinus thrombosis status post multiple strokes.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left hand disability was denied, and he is currently receiving a 10 percent rating. His claim for service connection for residuals of gonorrhea remains pending. The TDIU claim has been remanded to the RO.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and records, including VA treatment records and private treatment records from Northwest Texas Healthcare System. The appellant's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is pending.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for further development and consideration of whether the overpayment was properly created and if the Veteran is entitled to waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected neuralgia of the superficial peroneal nerve, left. The issue remains whether he should receive a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a left leg condition and a right leg condition, finding no credible evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case to allow for additional evidence and a reevaluation of the claim, as the appellant needs to provide preponderating evidence of a valid marriage for VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for colon and gallbladder polyps are granted. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for his lung disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left eye disability is being remanded due to the failure to report for a scheduled Board hearing and because there may be additional concerns that need to be addressed at a new hearing.

The Court has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, effective from the date of the Board's August 2010 decision.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Johnson City Medical Center from September 18, 2008 to September 27, 2008 were not reimbursable as the condition did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment under VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a genitourinary or prostate disorder, including enuresis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, nocturia, and urinary incontinence. The decision is based on the finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran is seeking TDIU benefits due to service-connected disabilities. The Board has ordered remand for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, finding that her current condition is not related to her military service and was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected pelvic inflammatory disease.

The Veteran's prostate condition, diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), was not first manifested during service and there is no evidence linking it to military service. The Board denied the claim for service connection.