Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a distal fibular injury, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service parachute jump. The issue of loss of front teeth was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement or payment of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from April 30 through May 6, 2009 and from August 26 through August 29, 2009 was denied as the Veteran had Medicare coverage which covered a portion of the expenses.

The Board has ordered the RO to review and determine if part or all of the overpayment in question was due to administrative error. The Veteran's request for a waiver of the debt will also be adjudicated following any development deemed necessary.

The Board found that the creation of a debt in the amount of $7,616.23 for overpayment of Chapter 30 education benefits from May 8, 2006 to December 15, 2006 was due solely to administrative error and granted waiver of the entire debt.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund (FVEC) as she lacked legal entitlement to the benefit sought on appeal.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on June 13, 2010 for a dystonic reaction are eligible for reimbursement as the treatment was deemed necessary due to her psychiatric condition and she met all other eligibility criteria.

The appellant's claim for VA healthcare benefits was denied because his service did not meet the minimum 24-month requirement and he did not qualify for any exceptions to this rule.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for leukemia was denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure in service and the disease did not manifest within one year post-service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for one-time payment from the FVEC Fund due to a final determination that he did not have qualifying service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify whether the Veteran served in Vietnam and to determine if he was exposed to Agent Orange. The appeal is also deferred pending completion of these actions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the course of the appeal process.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for stage IVA tongue squamous cell carcinoma (left base) with metastatic disease to neck, claimed as throat cancer.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that none of his service-connected conditions caused or contributed to his death.

The Veteran's current left elbow arthritis is found to be the result of an injury incurred during his military service, and thus granted service connection.

The Board denied service connection for avascular necrosis of the bilateral hips and femurs, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin condition, which includes rashes on his hands, feet, buttocks, and groin, was incurred during service. The claim is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for benign prostate hypertrophy, right wrist disorder, and body joint pain. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for bruxism, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The issue will now be addressed on its merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's deviated nasal septum is a congenital defect and no additional disability was superimposed upon it as a result of service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.