Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly assess the Veteran's claims, including for his partial facial numbness, left ear hearing loss, headache disability, right hand scar, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and TDIU. The case is being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran qualifies for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of her right foot. The current examinations are inadequate and do not provide sufficient information about the Veteran's mobility needs or the status of her popliteal nerve.

The Veteran's daughter, the appellant, requested payment or reimbursement for non-VA medical expenses her father incurred at Skyline Medical Center from April 30, 2005 to May 7, 2005. However, there is no evidence of record showing she paid these bills herself.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of edentulous mouth (loss of teeth) to include as secondary to service-connected disabilities due to new evidence obtained after a July 2023 SSOC.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left leg and hip disorders due to a lack of direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Court found that the presumption of soundness had been rebutted, so the Board must now consider whether there is sufficient evidence to establish direct service connection.

The Board has ordered a new examination to address the timing of surgeries and pain medications prescribed for service-connected conditions, as well as their potential impact on the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anal ulcers, broadened to include colon or rectal cancer, is remanded due to new and material evidence having been received. The Board finds that the elements of 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c)(4) are met and a VA examination and medical opinion are needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for payment or reimbursement of non-VA medical expenses due to a copayment, finding that VA cannot reimburse any copayments under the applicable regulations.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized non-VA medical expenses from February 10, 1999, to February 17, 1999, is denied as there was no prior authorization and the Veteran did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment under VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right elbow disorder, finding that there was no evidence showing the condition manifested during or within one year after service and concluding that any current right elbow disorder is more likely related to the Veteran's age and overuse after service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development regarding the Veteran's discharge from service, which may affect eligibility for transferred entitlement.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to obtain records and complete a VA Form 21-8940. The Veteran will be given another opportunity to provide the requested information.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD caused his smoking and, if so, whether it was a substantial factor in causing esophageal cancer.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a stroke has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further evaluation, including a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the stroke.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disability related to the Veteran's Gulf War service, finding that more than six months of respiratory signs and symptoms have not been attributed to a known clinical diagnosis.

The Board found that the appellant's income was above the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) and terminated her survivor's pension effective January 1, 2009. The appeal is denied.

The Board has granted the appeal because a timely Substantive Appeal was filed with respect to the March 2017 Statement of the Case, despite it being sent to an incorrect address.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for residuals of a neck injury, loss of feeling in left arm, and bilateral hand tremors due to insufficient opinions provided by the VA examiner. The Veteran's complete service treatment records are unavailable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lip and tongue/mouth conditions, finding no current disabilities and insufficient evidence to establish a link between any claimed conditions and service.