Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran requested reimbursement for medical expenses from a private provider on July 16, 2021. The AOJ researched the incorrect date of service and did not find any claim for payment or reimbursement related to this date. The appeal is remanded due to an error in the review process.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cause of death effective from the date of his initial claim, and thus dismissed the appeal as there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The Board has granted service connection for cell carcinoma of mandibular alveolar ridge, finding that the Veteran's disability is at least as likely as not related to his toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) during service, specifically herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the decision regarding eligibility for VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) was legally inadequate due to insufficient notice and a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The case is being remanded to address these issues.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death due to pancreatic cancer, finding that there is no evidence linking the condition to service or presumed herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran and the appellant were divorced on July 5, 2022. The Board denied an apportionment of the Veteran's VA disability compensation for the period beginning July 5, 2022 as the appellant is not eligible due to divorce.

The Board has granted service connection for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and bilateral pes cavus, finding that the Veteran's conditions first manifested during active duty service and were not aggravated by such service.

The Board has denied service connection for urinary tract infection to include stress incontinence flacid neuropathic bladder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service or exposure to herbicides. Service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits due to failure to withhold attorney fees is not valid and therefore grants the appeal. The request for waiver of recoupment of this overpayment is also dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence is rated at 20 percent, requiring absorbent materials changed less than two times per day. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for corticobasal syndrome is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ must request private hospital records from August 2023 and private emergency department records from March 2023, as well as any non-VA records scanned into the Vista Imaging system.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address his claims of increased rating for tardive dyskinesia, SMC based on a need for aid and attendance, and TDIU.

The Veteran's caregiver is seeking clarification on whether they were discharged from the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The Board finds that a remand is necessary to clarify this issue due to a lack of proper notification.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's character of discharge does not constitute a bar to VA benefits, and thus grants the appeal.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for evaluations of his right hip and thigh limitations, finding that he withdrew his appeal. The effective date for a separate evaluation of 20 percent for right hip limitation of abduction is set at September 29, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for parotid squamous cell has been granted. Additionally, the Veteran's left knee disability status-post total knee replacement with residuals is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's rectal cancer is related to his active duty service and exposure to Agent Orange. The Board granted service connection for the condition.

The Veteran's incomplete paralysis of ulnar nerve, residuals of gunshot wound, left upper extremity is rated at 10 percent and the Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's visit to Baptist Memorial Hospital on December 21, 2023, was not considered a medical emergency that would warrant reimbursement of unauthorized expenses. The Board denied payment as the treatment did not meet the criteria for immediate medical attention.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of non-VA ambulance transportation provided on December 9, 2024, requires further review and remand due to errors in adjudication. The AOJ must obtain relevant treatment records, including those related to the ambulance services provided, and properly adjudicate the claim under applicable regulations.