Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran is seeking reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Saint Vincent Medical Center from May 3, 2011 to May 5, 2011. The case has been remanded due to the need to determine if the Veteran was enrolled in the VA health care system and received care at a VA facility within the previous 24 months, as well as obtaining relevant billing statements.

The Veteran's gallbladder condition, diagnosed as cholelithiasis and confirmed by a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is presumed to have been incurred during service due to its manifestation within one year of his discharge. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon, which is service-connected.,Burial benefits have been granted for the Veteran.

The case is REMANDED for the following action: (1) The AOJ should contact the Veteran and request that he submit information concerning the date his father died, and the income and expenses of his parents from September 2009 to the present. (2) If the benefits sought are denied, the AOJ should furnish the Veteran and his representative a supplemental statement of the case, afford him opportunity to respond, and return the case to the Board.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disorder is not shown to be etiologically related to his active military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated by such service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action, including obtaining and verifying his service personnel records. The AOJ will then readjudicate the eligibility for VA Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) educational assistance benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Waldenstrom's disease was received on February 29, 2012. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set to this date as it is the earliest possible date based on the criteria provided by VA.

The Veteran's active duty service does not bar her from receiving VA loan guaranty benefits, and the claim is granted.

The Veteran's condition stabilized on July 9, 2013, allowing for transfer to a VA facility. The claim is granted for payment of medical expenses incurred on July 9, 2013 at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.

The Board has remanded the case due to a discrepancy in the number of credit hours associated with the Veteran's classes, which were originally considered worth four credit hours each. The Veteran submitted evidence showing that these classes are worth 4.5 credit hours each.

The Veteran's postoperative residuals of a right thoracotomy resection apical bleb are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate given his current pulmonary function test results.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and securing VA examination opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for jungle rot of the feet is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current condition and his in-service diagnosis.

The Board determined that the appellant's discharge was under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct, but found no evidence of insanity at the time. As a result, his character of discharge bars him from receiving VA benefits.

From June 12, 2013, the Veteran's dermatophytosis was manifested by constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period. The Board granted a 60 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Middlesex Hospital and Social Security Administration records. The case will be reviewed again after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by slight instability, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than the current 10 percent rating.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate your claim as you are no longer alive.

The Veteran's degenerative arthrosis of the great metatarsal phalangeal joint and residuals of deep vein thrombosis, with post phlebitis syndrome, of the left foot/leg were caused by in-service cold exposure. Service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his fractured right third metatarsal, and also denied service connection for a low back disorder and a left lower extremity disorder. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder were remanded.