Other conditions Board decisions

The appeal is denied as there is no legal basis for payment of medical expenses incurred on January 22, 2021.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding contractual payment rates for anesthesia services provided to a Veteran on November 7, 2020. The appellant was underpaid and contends that the contractual rate of payment due for their services was higher.

The Board dismissed the appeal as it does not have jurisdiction to review the VA decision regarding payment for non-VA medical services under the VCCP.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date for DIC benefits as a helpless child should be remanded due to the absence of evidence of an attempted informal conference with the appellant's representative.

The Veteran's non-VA medical provider, the appellant, provided services to the Veteran on November 4, 2019. The VA has already approved partial payment for these services but is under appeal due to an expected amount of $878.39 not being fully covered. The case is remanded to obtain missing documentation and ensure proper notice.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral eye disability, which is believed to be related to in-service burn pit exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates for recognition of his spouse and children as dependents was denied because the earliest written claim received in the file was after a year from when he should have submitted such claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's temporomandibular disorder with bruxism is related to his active service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

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.