Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to lack of verified service as a recognized guerrilla with the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim, finding that her election for educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill program was irrevocable and cannot be rescinded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left foot disorder is not causally related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim, finding that his election for educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill program in lieu of benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill program is irrevocable and cannot be rescinded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for dysthymia is granted as of June 27, 2001.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of ovarian cancer cannot be granted as there is no evidence showing a nexus between her military service and her current condition.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the cause of death (colon cancer with liver metastases) is not related to his military service or any herbicide exposure.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for the residuals of corn and spur removal of the right foot, effective January 10, 2012. The initial non-compensable rating is maintained prior to that date.

The Veteran's request for a waiver of his overpayment was denied because it was determined that his income exceeded his expenses. The case is being remanded to allow the Veteran to submit an updated financial status report and evidence that his daughter is authorized to represent him in this matter.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses was denied by the Board, as prior authorization for the non-VA care received at Premier Medical Ear, Nose, and Throat Group was not obtained. The case is now before the Court which vacated the denial and remanded it to the Board.

The Veteran's right knee disability, rated at 20 percent under the direct service connection criteria, does not meet the requirements for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by meniscus derangement and chondromalacia, is currently rated at 10 percent since July 19, 2011. The VA has determined that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, to include as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hodgkin's lymphoma, to include as a result of exposure to chemical substances in the water at Camp Lejeune, is being remanded. Additionally, his claim to reopen his hearing loss claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's arthralgia of the joints was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service, nor is it caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. Therefore, his claim for service connection for arthralgia of the joints has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of an abdominal hysterectomy did not prevent her from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to March 17, 1994.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current neurological disability and the Veteran's lay reports are not credible. The preponderance of the evidence does not support service connection for a neurological disability.

The Veteran's right knee ACL reconstruction and recurrent subluxation have been rated at the minimum non-compensable level (10%) since October 2004, with no higher ratings granted.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility is denied as the Veteran has coverage under Medicare, which excludes him from receiving such benefits.