Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's left foot hallux valgus is characterized by pain, difficulty walking, and hallux valgus deformity but has not resulted in surgery or functional loss equivalent to amputation of the great toe. The criteria for a compensable evaluation have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's retinal detachment was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected malaria, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from September 24, 2011 to September 28, 2011 were not authorized by VA and he is ineligible for reimbursement under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725 due to his coverage under a health-plan contract.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues currently on appeal to the Board, including the claims for an initial compensable rating for status post right hip contusion and service connection for dry eye syndrome.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for epicondylitis of the right elbow was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective February 7, 2008.

The Board denied the appellant's appeal because her substantive appeal was not filed within 60 days of receiving the SOC, and thus did not meet the legal requirement for a timely appeal.

The Board granted an apportionment of the Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits in the amount of $550 per month, effective April 1, 2010. The decision found that this level of apportionment did not cause undue hardship on the Veteran.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding income limitations for VA pension purposes and entitlement to SMP based on the need for regular A&A or on housebound status. The Board has dismissed these matters as a result.

The Board has determined that the appellant's substantive appeal was untimely and dismissed her claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of neck and back disabilities, finding that there was no clear link between the current conditions and the in-service motor vehicle accident.

The VA determined that the Veteran's nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board agreed with this determination.

The Board has ordered additional development to ensure a complete record is available for the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of her husband's death, which was attributed to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development needed, including obtaining private treatment records from Dr. Crutchfield.

The Board found the apportionment of $100 per month per child was warranted, as it did not cause undue financial hardship to the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bladder and bowel incontinence is not related to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore denies both direct and secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for an audit of the Veteran's account to determine if the full amount of special separation benefits ($32,844.69) was paid and how much was recouped by VA, with a focus on post-tax amounts.

The appellant requested a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals, but failed to attend. The case is being remanded for scheduling a personal hearing at her local RO.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a respiratory impairment that he asserts began during his most recent period of active service. The VA examiner concluded the Veteran likely has obstructive sleep apnea, but no related complaints or treatment are documented in his service records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to decide the claim of entitlement to VA nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to confusion regarding financial information and dependent children status.