Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to address the issues of a higher rating on either a schedular or extra-schedular basis for loss of function to left ring and little fingers, residuals of fracture of the left fifth metacarpal; entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of the left hand due to service-connected disability(ies); and service connection for left hand, wrist, and elbow disabilities.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities have been rated at 30 percent each, the maximum available under the applicable rating schedule. The VA examinations conducted did not show any additional functional limitation over time.

The Veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital from January 13, 2015 to January 21, 2015 are denied as the treatment was not for an emergency and prior authorization from VA was required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's deviated nasal septum did not have its onset during his service and is therefore denied as there is no evidence of a current disability resulting from an injury or disease incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during active service and whether his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is related to such exposure.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to determine the creation and calculation of the Veteran's overpayment debt, as well as whether the waiver request was timely filed. The case will be remanded for these determinations.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be cardiac arrest, with probable pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction as underlying causes. The Board found that the service-connected bilateral extremity peripheral arterial disease contributed substantially and materially to his death.

The Veteran's widow has withdrawn her appeal for non-service connected death pension (Widow's pension). The Board does not have jurisdiction to review this issue as the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity aneurysms popliteal arteries are as likely as not related to service, and therefore grants his claim for service connection.

The appellant's appeal for additional accrued benefits in excess of $2,154.00 was denied as the maximum allowable amount has already been awarded.

The Board has upheld the decision to interrupt the Veteran's VA independent living plan due to his failure to cooperate, finding that this was proper under the provisions of Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the validity and accuracy of a debt created by VA, including specifying the periods of active duty during which compensation benefits were improperly paid to the Veteran and the amount owed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's interstitial lung disease, diagnosed as asbestosis, is related to his exposure to asbestos during service. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tremors of the hands is denied as there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or exposure to herbicides. The VA examiner concluded that the tremors are not related to his service, PTSD, medications, or exposure to chemical dioxins.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine whether the Veteran suffered from a stroke and its residuals, including as due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for traumatic iritis of the left eye is denied. The evidence does not show visual field impairment or incapacitating episodes warranting a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to her service-connected mixed incontinence, which requires frequent bathroom breaks and naps throughout the day.

The Board determined that the change in the Veteran's eligibility category from cost-free/exempt to required co-pay status for VA health care and prescriptions was proper based on his income exceeding the thresholds for 2008. The appeal is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder. The issue of service connection for a bilateral breast condition, including secondary scars, is remanded as it was not addressed in the original decision and requires issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC).