Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disease, as well as to obtain additional relevant treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide him with a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed arthritis and gout.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange while stationed in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The claim will be reconsidered with additional development.

The Veteran's rectal cancer was not shown to have onset during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking the condition to herbicide exposure. The Board finds that direct service connection cannot be established.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's mother's expenses and her dependency status. The appellant needs to provide financial records from 2010 to present, including supporting documentation for her mother's monthly expenses and those paid by herself.

The Veteran's cause of death, acute myelocytic leukemia, is not shown to be related to his military service or any herbicide exposure therein. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Veteran's remaining eligibility for educational assistance under Chapter 33 was correctly calculated by the RO, and he is not entitled to more than 17 months and 14 days of benefits.

The Veteran's diagnosed patellofemoral pain syndrome was first manifested in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's on-the-job training with the U.S. Marshals Service from October 1, 2008 to October 1, 2010 is not eligible for Chapter 30 educational assistance benefits due to a lack of approval by VA.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility from February 16, 2012 to February 17, 2012 is denied because the Veteran does not have any service-connected disability and has not received VA treatment within the 24-month period prior to the private treatment for which payment or reimbursement is requested.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right ear disorder. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating and a convalescent rating, but did not adjudicate whether he is entitled to these benefits. The case must be readjudicated in light of all evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's condition on December 18, 2008 constituted an emergency medical situation and that VA or other Federal facilities were not feasibly available. Therefore, the criteria for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses have been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and readjudicating the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from December 3, 2010 to October 29, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, by an event, injury, or disease incurred in or aggravated by active military service.,The requirements for basic eligibility for DEA under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's left hand disability, other than radiculopathy, is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder clearly and unmistakably existed prior to entry into service, was aggravated by active service, and is therefore entitled to service connection.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for half of the overpayment ($2,578.95) due to an error in eligibility determination.