Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on January 30, 2014 at Focused Imaging of Arizona Inc. were denied as the services provided did not meet all criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating of 10 percent for bilateral varicocele has been granted, with the highest possible rating based on severe incomplete paralysis.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper VCAA notice and to locate the billing form sent by MHG for unauthorized medical expenses incurred on November 3, 2004. The claim will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at Exempla Good Samaritan Hospital from March 19 to March 23, 2011, following emergency intestinal surgery. The decision states that the Veteran was not stable for transfer until day 4/5 and that beds were available.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues regarding who is the appropriate claimant for DIC benefits. The underlying appeal for service connection will be deferred until this issue is resolved.

The Veteran's right foot hammer toes (2nd through 5th toes) are rated at a maximum of 10 percent throughout, effective March 9, 2010.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities were rated at 10 percent prior to September 28, 2015. From that date, they are rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including mood disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is found to be related to an in-service incident of military sexual trauma. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal, fatigue, and chronic joint pain disabilities are being remanded for additional development as the current opinions from the August 2011/May 2012 examiner are inadequate.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pelvic pain and subsequent hysterectomy were related to service.

The Board has awarded initial 10 percent ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees, effective January 31, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining recent VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues on appeal are whether she should receive a higher rating for her left knee condition and if she qualifies for a temporary total evaluation based on surgery with convalescence.

The Board found that the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension limit for the period of February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009. The appeal is denied for this specific period.

The appellant does not meet the statutory definition of a child and has not presented any unreimbursed expenses for the Veteran's widow's last sickness and burial, thus her claim for accrued benefits is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an updated VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding her left foot condition, headaches, and residuals of a fractured nose.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left eye disability, which may be associated with his active service. The case will be remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding her service-connected diverticulitis and a new VA examination to assess the severity of her migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that the appellant's income exceeds the maximum allowable annual combined income for a surviving spouse with no dependents, and therefore she is not entitled to nonservice-connected death pension benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for retroactive Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code as he did not meet the criteria for such benefits.