Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of August 23, 2010 for the election to receive education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill in lieu of benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for emergency room treatment on December 7, 2010 are denied as the condition was not an emergency and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records and further development of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if his countable income exceeds the maximum annual rate for non-service-connected pension from September 27, 2007, through December 1, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's stroke residuals are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service, and specifically noted that he did not qualify as a 'radiation-exposed veteran' nor does he have any listed radiogenic disease. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carcinoma of the tongue and neck due to herbicide exposure is being remanded as there are outstanding medical records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of the removal of his left great toenail are currently rated at 30 percent, effective October 11, 2011. The condition is characterized as a severe foot injury with multiple excisions and is not associated with any other exposure basis or presumptions.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant did not meet the criteria for non-service-connected burial benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for an extension of the delimiting date for education benefits under Chapter 1606, Title 10, U.S. Code, Montgomery GI Bill-Selective Reserve was withdrawn by his representative prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for scleroderma, claimed as due to exposure to herbicides during military service, is being remanded for further development including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for accrued benefits was denied as there were no pending claims at the time of his death or unpaid benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the definition of a fugitive felon and thus, the debt created based on his fugitive felon status was invalid.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred in July 2013 for a spider bite to the left forearm are denied as there was no prior authorization from VA and no emergency situation existed.

The Board has granted a 20 percent initial disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected costochondritis, effective October 7, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for ulcerative colitis, finding that the Veteran's in-service bowel condition is related to his current diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left elbow disability, including epicondylitis, arthritis, and a ganglion cyst, is not causally related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of verification of service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including the recognized guerillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional information regarding unreimbursed medical expenses from his wife, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.