Other conditions decisions — 2014

The appellant is not eligible for educational assistance under Chapter 1606, Title 10, United States Code due to her eligibility being terminated when she left the Selected Reserve in August 2005. She later reenlisted but did not do so within one year as required by law.

The Board has remanded the case due to a separation between the Veteran and the appellant at the time of his death, which may affect their legal entitlement to VA benefits. The RO is instructed to determine if the appellant can be recognized as the surviving spouse for purposes of receiving VA benefits.

The Veteran's Frey's syndrome, characterized by excessive secretion of a clear fluid from the right temple when eating, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity and symptoms of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is denied as he does not meet the legal requirements for entitlement to VA benefits due to lack of service.

The Veteran's right hand arthritis is likely related to an in-service injury, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran seeks reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Nebraska Medical Center on March 3-4, 2011. The case is being remanded to obtain clarification on prior authorization and attempt to associate any relevant records.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating from 60 percent to 30 percent for reflux esophagitis, hiatal hernia, and gastritis is proper. Since November 1, 2007, the criteria for a higher disability rating have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for calcaneal bursitis of the right heel has been withdrawn before a decision was made.

The Board found that the Veteran's cataracts were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims for right eye cataract, left eye cataract, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for groin pain and sexual dysfunction (including partial empty sella syndrome) in July 2004. New evidence received after the expiration of the appeal period was found to be cumulative or redundant, not raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.,Service connection for sexual dysfunction and partial empty sella syndrome is granted as it is presumed due to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for the remaining issues, including those related to service connection and evaluations of various disabilities. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's left foot disorder is related to an in-service injury. The appeal will be considered on remand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including submission of additional records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and requests that the Veteran provide a new authorization form for her chiropractor's treatment records. The Veteran is also requested to complete a VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding his eye disorder. The case is now remanded for these actions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for basic eligibility for educational assistance under Chapter 33, Title 38, United States Code (Post-9/11 GI Bill) due to a lack of qualifying active service.

The Veteran's right inguinal hernia has been manifested by pain in the area of the groin and abdomen, but no hernia has been present. The condition is well supported by a truss.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, including aortic stenosis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and congestive heart failure, was not caused or aggravated by exposure to radiation during service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses provided by Albany Medical Center from November 10, 2008 to November 14, 2008 were denied as the claim was not submitted within the required timeframe.

The Board found that the appellant's periods of service from September 1, 2005 to September 17, 2005 and March 27, 2009 to April 4, 2009 do not qualify as active duty for purposes of increasing his educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. As a result, he is only eligible for 60 percent of maximum benefits.