Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the overall impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the reimbursement of non-VA medical expenses received at Regina Medical Center from March 6, 2004, to March 16, 2004.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for both TDIU and DEA eligibility as they are tied to the effective date of June 19, 2014. The Veteran was not in receipt of a TDIU prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient information provided by the Veteran and his agent regarding employment history, income, and work environment. The Veteran is advised to provide detailed information and supporting documentation.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's initial compensable rating for uterine fibroids needs to be remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records and a missed VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) as secondary to his service-connected ischemic heart disease or hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation by these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for loss of tooth due to trauma in service, but the Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as it may be affected by other issues being adjudicated.

The Veteran's heart disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for a new examination due to an indication of worsening symptoms.

The appeal was dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw her appeal.

The Veteran's right foot strain is rated at 10 percent, and his PTSD and depressive disorder with TBI are not rated higher than 30 percent prior to March 28, 2019, and not rated higher than 70 percent from that date. The appeals for increased ratings are denied.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at USA Knollwood Hospital from September 21, 2005 through October 21, 2005 were denied because VA did not provide prior authorization for the treatment and there was no emergency condition that would have justified non-VA care.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of non-VA medical treatment at CaroMont Regional Medical Center and Gastonia Physician Services on April 26, 2018 is granted because the emergency visit was deemed a medical emergency under prudent layperson standards. The closest VA facility with an emergency room was 50 miles away, making it not feasibly available.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with prior directives, specifically a need for a new medical opinion addressing secondary service connection by way of aggravation.

The Veteran's quadriplegia, neurogenic bowel, and neurogenic bladder are not considered to be a result of VA carelessness, negligence, or error. The Board found that the additional disability was caused by inadequate care provided by the group home after discharge from VA facilities.

The Board found that the appellant's character of discharge was dishonorable due to willful and persistent misconduct, which bars VA benefits except for healthcare under Chapter 17. The appeal is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of arthritis of multiple joints due to the appellant's withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral pigment dispersion syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2, as well as for obtaining updated treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for chancroid residuals including lymphadenopathy, a TDIU claim, and special monthly compensation based on the loss of use of a creative organ are denied as he failed to appear for his scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for survivor's pension benefits from February 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009 due to her income exceeding the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR).

The Board has remanded the right hip disorder claim due to its connection with other pending claims. The decision will be reconsidered once those related claims have been resolved.