Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's abdominal cramps were found to have manifested with constant pain in the upper epigastrium for the period prior to April 26, 2014. However, there was no evidence of two or more symptoms warranting a higher rating under DC 7346. The Board therefore denied an initial compensable rating.

The appellant is not eligible for recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA benefits purposes due to her divorce at the time of his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral foot disorders are being remanded to obtain clarification on the etiology and diagnosis.,A Statement of the Case (SOC) will be issued regarding the claim for a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's constrictive pericarditis is etiologically related to his service, including exposure to asbestos while serving on the U.S.S. Spartanburg County.

The Veteran's chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis are found to have had its initial onset during active service, and the Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board found no indication of fraud, misrepresentation or bad faith in the creation of the overpayment. The appellant was significantly at fault for not reporting her income to VA and thus created the overpayment. However, recovery would cause undue financial hardship due to her limited resources.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital between April 25, 2013 and April 29, 2013 was denied as he did not receive prior authorization from VA and his treatment was not related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is granted as he remains liable for the costs incurred at Ocala Regional Medical Center from July 8, 2013, through July 9, 2013.

The Veteran's medical expenses for treatment of lymphoma at a private hospital were reimbursed by VA as the services met all three criteria under 38 U.S.C. § 1728: the care was related to an adjudicated service-connected disability, it occurred in a medical emergency, and no feasible VA facility was available.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, specifically 'Jungle Rot,' is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a left leg disability due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for additional VA treatment records. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the claim, including considering a recent medical statement from the Veteran's attending VA physician.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's treatment records from private providers, and the case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral tendonitis of the hands is related to his military service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted. The other diagnoses (Dupuytren's contracture) are not supported by the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tonsil cancer is related to his service exposure to Agent Orange, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is entitled to specially adapted housing benefits due to a permanent and total service-connected disability.

The Veteran's hand disability is rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the schedular requirement for a TDIU prior to December 8, 2000.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left little finger disability and whether he has any other disabilities that are secondary to this condition. The claim will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.