Other conditions decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service connection claim for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is granted because the evidence supports a finding that his exposure to burn pits during his time in Iraq caused his AML.

The Veteran's left leg condition, including a post-tibia-fibula fracture with multiple surgeries, limited range of motion, and leg length discrepancy, is granted a disability rating of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that there are issues at the AOJ level that could impact the appeal, and therefore remands the case for further consideration. The appellant's claim of entitlement to burial benefits in excess of $1,062.00 is being remanded due to new evidence submitted by a third party.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left upper extremity disability claimed as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) should be remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's medical expenses incurred at Rusk Rehabilitation Center from May 24, 2018 to June 5, 2018 were authorized by VA and thus the claim for payment or reimbursement is granted.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 6, 2012 for the resumption of full disability benefits due to notification of the Veteran's release from incarceration on that date.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and the claim for burial benefits is denied as there was no original or reopened claim for VA compensation or pension benefits pending at the time of his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee conditions have been denied. He was previously rated at 20% for the torn medial meniscus and instability, but is now rated at 40% for limitation of extension following December 22, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Crohn’s disease is remanded due to the need for a new examination considering his credible testimony and medical history.

The Board has restored a 100% rating for post radical prostatectomy as of June 1, 2015 due to procedural issues with the reduction from 100% to 0%. The Veteran's condition is considered direct service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for epicondylitis of the right elbow should be remanded to allow for further review and consideration of additional VA treatment records.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw it before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical services received at Seton Medical Center Hays (SMCH) in Kyle, Texas on April 15, 2018 is denied because the nearest VA facility with an available ER was feasibly available and a prudent layperson would not have considered waiting to seek treatment from that facility.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service treatment for infertility and its impact on current condition.

The Veteran's medical expenses at St. Cloud Hospital on April 30, 2018 are covered as it was a medical emergency and the nearest VA facility with an emergency department was not feasibly available.

The Board has granted payment or reimbursement of nursing home expenses for inpatient services provided to the Veteran's spouse from February 7, 2017 to March 31, 2017 due to the equipoise of evidence showing that the care was skilled rather than custodial.

The Board found that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits was validly created due to the Veteran's divorce from her spouse, and thus denied the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an SSOC.

The Veteran's service-connected fractured left-hand little finger disability is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for brain tumors and basal cell carcinoma, as these conditions are not related to his active service or herbicide exposure.