Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran is entitled to a higher monthly payment for Chapter 30 educational assistance for apprenticeship training at the FAA, with payments at different rates based on the duration of the program.

The Board has remanded the case for consideration of whether an extraschedular evaluation is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected nephrolithiasis. The issue remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claim for TDIU due to a procedural error in not considering medical records from the Family Department of Puerto Rico, and because the AMC did not discuss whether the Veteran was entitled to TDIU during the rating period on appeal. The AOJ must consider all evidence pertaining to the rating period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary condition and sinus disorder, as well as an increased rating for PTSD prior to January 28, 2014, were granted. The Veteran was also granted service connection for allergic rhinitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's right and left hip disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor are they secondary to a service-connected disability. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for her throat condition and a TDIU prior to October 24, 2012, and from July 11, 2014, was denied. The issues of an increased disability rating for the scar and residuals of surgery for a throat condition are still pending.

The Veteran's claim for an initial, compensable rating for basal and squamous cell carcinomas has been remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal has been voluntarily withdrawn, and thus the issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a VA clothing allowance for the year 2015 was denied because he did not file a timely application.

The Board has decided that the hearing request by the Appellant is not ready for appellate disposition due to an outstanding hearing request. The case is REMANDED so the Appellant can be scheduled for a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the next available opportunity.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 10, 1997 for the grant of service connection for psychosis. The Veteran's competency to handle disbursement of VA funds and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a left eye disability. The new evidence received since the final denial in 1980 is considered material and raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected right fifth toe dislocation with excision of phalanx and associated neuromas are currently rated at 20%.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple myeloma, claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure during his service in Korea, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of exposure and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's paraplegia is being remanded for further review due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected PTSD and the incident that led to his injury.

The Board found that the Veteran's compensation benefits were properly terminated from December [redacted], 2001 to January [redacted], 2012 due to fugitive felon status, and thus denied the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an upper and lower spine disorder, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to the need for a VA orthopedic examination and an additional review of the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PLS is a variant of ALS, which is presumed incurred during service. Therefore, service connection for ALS is granted.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Legacy Meridian Park Hospital were denied as he had not received VA care under Chapter 17 within the 24-month period preceding the treatment.