Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current arthritis of the right hand and back to his service, including an injury during service. The preponderance of medical evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for complications from treatment for a duodenal ulcer, but additional VA medical records are needed before the claim can be decided.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical examination is necessary to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral leg disability, as well as any outstanding treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, characterized by chronic sleep impairment, nightmares, depression, disturbances of motivation and mood, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, memory loss, social isolation, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships, warrants a 50 percent disability rating for the entire initial rating period on appeal.

The Board has determined that a chronic neck disorder or arthritis was not incurred in service and is not related to the Veteran's military service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board denied a request for an effective date prior to June 1, 2009 for additional compensation for the Veteran's dependent child, J.A., finding that the evidence did not show submission of J.A.'s social security number within one year from the May 2001 rating decision.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma are related to his in-service sun exposure, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The case is being remanded due to concerns about the validity of the appellant's claim as a surviving spouse and potential fraud. The VA needs to investigate these issues before making a decision.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that GBM was not related to his active duty service or exposure to herbicides. The medical evidence did not support a relationship between head trauma from shrapnel wounds and GBM development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his bilateral foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran requesting a hearing, and the appeal is now scheduled for a travel board hearing.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected left hip disability and low back disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings at any point.

The Board has determined that Health Care District of Palm Beach County submitted a timely claim for payment of unauthorized emergency medical transportation provided to the Veteran on September 10, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses is denied because the treatment provided was not rendered in a medical emergency and did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the provision of outstanding medical records. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address whether his current right leg condition, including meralgia paresthetica and neuralgia paresthetica, was caused by or permanently worsened beyond natural progression by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death occurred prior to November 1, 1990 and therefore does not meet the criteria for a Government-furnished headstone or grave marker.

The Board found that the appellant's preexisting heart murmur did not increase in severity during her period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA), and thus denied service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disorder, including blood clots and varicosities. The case is REMANDED to obtain VA treatment records, schedule the Veteran for a vascular examination, and then re-adjudicate the claim.