Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a sinus condition and for a compensable disability evaluation for otitis media due to new evidence presented by the Veteran during his hearing. The Veteran testified about symptoms related to his sinuses, including leakage from them, which he believes is related to his in-service otitis media.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died before a decision could be made, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's residuals of mucinous adenocarcinoma (claimed as colon cancer) was denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection of panic disorder with agoraphobia, finding that new and material evidence was received. The Board also found that there is a causal relationship between the Veteran's in-service symptoms and her current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient proof of medical expenses that could be used to offset the Veteran's annual income for pension benefits. The Veteran is asked to provide evidence such as bills, receipts, and cancelled checks from her medical providers.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a neck disorder, residuals of a nose injury, and a bilateral foot disorder due to new evidence received since the April 1994 rating decision. The claims are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's non-VA medical expenses incurred on November 16, 2013, and April 21, 2014 at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial were for conditions of such nature that a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected delay in obtaining treatments to be hazardous to health. As a result, the Board has granted reimbursement or payment for these medical expenses.

The Veteran's daughter, S.R., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to her 18th birthday due to autism. As a result, she is recognized as the helpless child of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to discrepancies in the number of drill days reported by the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) and verified by the National Guard unit. The Veteran's actual drill days have been determined to be 68 instead of 72, leading to a recalculated debt amount.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing left ring finger disability was aggravated during his second period of active duty service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for cause of death. However, due to outstanding medical records from Emory Hospital-Midtown, Clayton General Hospital, and Dr. O., the matter is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Veteran's back pain, which he believed to be severe enough to constitute an emergency situation, was treated at a non-VA medical facility. The Board found that the treatment met all criteria for reimbursement under 38 U.S.C. § 1725 and granted payment.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 10 percent disability rating for his right fifth finger fracture, effective June 14, 2012. The reduction was improper as there was no actual improvement in the Veteran’s ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer condition is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues regarding the validity of the debt calculation and the Veteran's eligibility for Chapter 33 benefits. The VA will provide a detailed accounting of how the overpayment was calculated, consider the Veteran's claims about eligible courses, and request updated financial information from him.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's inpatient private medical care at a Jacksonville hospital was denied for reimbursement due to his condition stabilizing on February 18, 2015. The Board is unable to locate the clinical review that determined this and needs to be provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pinched nerve in neck and back injury, finding no evidence of an in-service event related to these conditions and insufficient medical evidence linking them to military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral eye disorder/residuals from PRK surgery is reopened and granted. The Board found the evidence in favor of a link between the in-service PRK surgery and current eye disorders.