Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a brain aneurysm was denied as there is no evidence of current disability due to the aneurysm repair, which occurred decades after service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have recognized active military service for the purpose of obtaining the one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and thus denied his claim.

The service department has certified that the appellant had no service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including the recognized guerrillas, in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, thus denying his claim for one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Veteran's surviving spouse, G. J., has been recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes due to her continuous residence with the Veteran from May 1948 until his death in March 1982 and her subsequent non-marriage status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizoaffective disorder was denied in March 1987, and no appeal was filed within one year. The effective date of the award is set at September 10, 2002.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bronchiectasis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing VA medical treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the appellant is not entitled to recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of VA benefits due to a lack of continuous cohabitation from their marriage until her death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the right chest, with involvement of Muscle Group XXI, do not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 20 percent. The claim for increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses is denied as he has a health-plan contract that bars payment by VA.

The appellant's income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate, resulting in a denial of VA improved death pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of the evidence, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling a new examination to address the etiology of any current foot disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcohol abuse is secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran's chronic pancreatitis is secondary to his service-connected alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for atypical squamous cells of the cervix (ASCUS) is being remanded due to her failure to report for a VA examination and the need for additional treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral neuromas of the feet began during her active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and granted service connection for this condition.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's loss of teeth was due to a pre-existing condition, localized aggressive periodontitis, which did not worsen during service. The claim is therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to provide a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current left leg disability. The Veteran's claims file must be forwarded to an appropriate VA physician for this purpose.

The Veteran's medical services at the Lewis County General Hospital were not authorized in advance, and he was not stable for transfer to a VA facility by August 23, 2009. Therefore, reimbursement is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for his Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the rescheduled hearing.