Other conditions decisions — 2014

The appellant requires the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for aid and attendance benefits for nonservice-connected death pension purposes.

The Board has remanded the issue of a waiver of overpayment in the amount of $8,012.00 due to an outstanding decision and the need for further processing.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran's representative. The claim will be returned to the RO for initial review and readjudication.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, which was previously denied in September 2002.

The Veteran's overpayment of VA education benefits in the amount of $406.67 is valid due to her reduction from three-quarter time to half-time training during a term, and she did not provide mitigating circumstances for her withdrawal.

The Veteran's service is not considered wartime service, and therefore he does not meet the eligibility requirements for non-service-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's income for the year 2007 did not exceed the VA National Means Test threshold, allowing him to receive free healthcare from October 23, 2008 onwards.

The Veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from May 1, 2010 to May 5, 2010 are granted as reimbursement is warranted due to the nature of his injuries and surgeries.

The Veteran's colorectal cancer is found to be related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increase in disability pension award based on unreimbursed medical expenses is being remanded to the RO/AMC for initial review and readjudication.

The Veteran's residuals of a deviated septum and rhinoplasty are related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for a right eye disability, as his macular cyst with defective vision clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence does not support the claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

The Board found that the Veteran's request for a waiver of indebtedness was timely and allowed it, thus granting the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a lung disorder, oral cancer, or soft tissue sarcoma that is attributable to his military service. The Veteran's current respiratory condition (COPD) and oral cancer are not related to his in-service exposure to herbicides or bacteria.

The Board denied service connection for musculoskeletal pain and neurological symptoms in the lower extremities, finding no probative evidence of a direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's right hip disability was evaluated at a 30 percent rating prior to June 8, 2006 and on and after July 2, 2009. The claim for increased ratings is granted.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on July 3, 2003 at Evanston Regional Hospital was denied as the claim was filed over 90 days after the treatment.

The Veteran's colorectal cancer was not incurred or aggravated by service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The VA examiner found the condition less likely than not related to active duty military service or to herbicide exposure.

The Board found that there is no direct evidence linking the Veteran's cause of death to his service, including any herbicide exposure. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the cancers causing the Veteran's death were related to his service.