Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Veteran's left eye extra-ocular muscle dysfunction with diplopia is rated at the maximum allowable level due to visual impairment. Separate ratings for dry eye syndrome, trichiasis, and lagophthalmos are granted but no higher than 10 percent each.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of entitlement to a TDIU has been granted, and there is no longer any issue in controversy with respect to this claim. The appeal is therefore dismissed.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding payment rates for medical services provided under a Veterans Care Agreement (VCA) because the dispute resolution process established by law does not include review by the Board.

The claims for service connection for paralyzed diaphragm, right side and phrenic nerve injury are denied as new and relevant evidence has not been received. The claim for service connection for thoracic outlet syndrome, right shoulder is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is also remanded due to the PACT Act requiring a TERA-specific VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of onychomycosis was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected onychomycosis was also denied.

The appeal is dismissed because the VA has no authority to review the payment of non-VA medical services provided through the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). The appellant's claim was originally denied for lack of pre-authorization and the process for billing in-network providers within the VCCP does not allow for Board review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right foot disorder did not worsen during service, and thus cannot be granted service connection for metatarsalgia of the right foot.

The Board has granted the readjudication of the claim for service connection for right lateral tongue squamous cell carcinoma, finding that new and relevant evidence had been received. The case is now remanded to consider the merits of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to conduct a new CEAT review and obtain a current medical opinion regarding the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a deviated septum, finding that it was incurred during an in-service fist fight.

The appeal was dismissed as the claim for payment of non-VA dental treatment provided to the Veteran on January 7, 2020, and January 21, 2020, has been resolved by administrative action.

The Veteran's right index finger growth is granted as service-connected, with an effective date of January 25, 2018.,An increased evaluation for the Veteran's right elbow strain is granted, with an effective date of January 25, 2019. The earlier effective date request was denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for payment of medical services provided by Aegis Sciences Corporation on October 8, 2020, October 22, 2020, and November 5, 2020, as these services were covered under a contractual agreement within the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) that does not allow for review by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's monthly housing allowance (MHA) should be recalculated based on her online course enrollment, and the RO is instructed to provide a clear explanation for the amounts of MHA provided in the May 2020 determination letter.

The VA denied payment for a non-VA COVID-19 test provided to the Veteran on October 6, 2021 because it was not authorized by VA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for periodontal disease is denied as there is no current qualifying dental disability for VA compensation purposes.

The appeal is dismissed as the claim for payment of non-VA emergency medical services provided on July 7, 2020 has been resolved by administrative action.

The appeal is dismissed because the VA has no authority to review the billing process for non-VA medical services provided through the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). The appellant's claim was originally denied due to lack of pre-authorization, but payment was eventually made for the service on December 10, 2020. As a result, the appeal is moot.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for hyperhidrosis, and the Court has vacated this decision due to an error in notifying the Veteran of his right to a pre-decisional hearing. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board found that the overpayment debt of VA service-connected compensation dependent benefits due to the retroactive removal of a spouse was properly created, and thus denied the Veteran's appeal.