Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has determined that the appellant's dependent children do not meet the income requirements for death pension benefits, as their monthly income exceeds the maximum annual limit set by law.

The Veteran's claim for payment and reimbursement of private medical expenses received at Unity Hospital from September 5 to September 11, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the reduction of improved death pension benefits was proper based on new evidence of additional income and expenses, including receipt of Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder manifested as paranoia and nightmares, finding new evidence that supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service. The Board granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his death, specifically whether they were the principal or contributory cause of death.

The Veteran's spouse is seeking DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for the cause of her husband's death, which she claims was due to VA medical treatment. The appeal has been remanded by the Board due to a request for a hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative changes and exaggerated kyphosis, thoracic spine with associated conditions have not met the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes. The claim is remanded to allow further development.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is denied as her entire active service period was subject to the education loan repayment program and cannot be counted as a period of service for entitlement to educational assistance.

The Veteran's left elbow disability, manifested by a joint fracture with marked varus or valgus deformity, is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5209.

The Board denied reimbursement for LAC test fees on May 13, 2010 and May 18, 2010 due to the tests being withdrawn from authorization effective April 1, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the claims have been dismissed.

The Veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on May 12, 2011, at Baptist Medical Center were denied as the treatment was not for a service-connected condition and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran has no legal entitlement to additional VA education benefits under Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) beyond what he has already received.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for pleural plaques (claimed as asbestosis) is being remanded due to the inability to perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and obtain an accurate assessment of his respiratory condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as his service in the Merchant Marine did not qualify for VA pension purposes due to lack of oceangoing service during the specified period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's alcohol abuse is secondary to his service-connected left eye disability, and to obtain all relevant medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current heart murmur and hole in his heart are not related to service, as they pre-existed service. The Veteran did not sustain a hole in his heart during service.

The Veteran's application for Veterans Retraining Assistance Program benefits was denied as his Mechanical Engineering program of study at Texas A&M University does not meet the eligibility requirements for VRAP.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing clarifying opinions from a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a deviated septum. The preexisting condition was aggravated by active military service, thus meeting the criteria for service connection.