Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical evidence establishing a causal nexus between the Veteran's diagnosed peripheral neuropathy and his service-connected low back disability. The VA examiner will be asked to determine if there is a causal relationship between the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity and upper extremity disabilities and his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's DUB, which resulted in a total abdominal hysterectomy, is at least as likely as not related to her period of active service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his pension benefits, finding that the earliest possible effective date was the date of his original application.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disorder and disorder manifested by syncopal episodes are not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's postoperative ventral hernia is rated as 20 percent disabling, effective March 30, 2007. Service connection for a surgical scar related to the service-connected postoperative ventral hernia is also granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a nasal condition with breathing difficulties. The Veteran's current deviated septum is related to his military service, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for left varicocele is denied as the evidence does not show any voiding or renal dysfunction that would warrant such an evaluation. The claim for service connection for bilateral foot disability remains denied as no new and material evidence has been received.

The Board found that the Veteran's atypical psychosis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms do not warrant total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a Travel Board hearing. The RO/AMC needs to schedule the Veteran for this hearing and notify him of the date, time, and location.

The Veteran died before the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. As such, the appellant is not eligible for this benefit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a separate sleep disorder and his insomnia is attributed to his service-connected tinnitus, TBI, and psychiatric conditions. Therefore, he cannot establish service connection for a sleep disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the loss of his original claims file and unavailable records. A VA examination is needed to determine if any current conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's Bell's palsy was rated at 10 percent prior to May 24, 2011 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of left and right feet cold injuries have been rated at 30 percent since April 9, 2007. The effective date for these ratings is being granted as April 9, 2007.

The Board denied a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of $3,000.00 for education benefits due to the appellant's misrepresentation and bad faith in applying for the advance payment.

The Board denied the veteran's request for treatment in the VA healthcare system without a copayment requirement for the specified period.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Flagler Hospital on November 23, 2010 was denied as he had other health care coverage (Medicare) and did not meet the criteria for payment or reimbursement under Section 1725.

The Veteran's daughter was not eligible for an extension of the delimiting date for DEA benefits beyond September 23, 2006 due to her reaching age 31 before applying.

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