Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized emergency medical transportation services provided on June 15, 2008 is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his income status and proof of unemployment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sensory deficit of his left lower extremity does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating higher than 20 percent, and his hypoesthesia of the left side of the face does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for DIC benefits, finding that she did not submit evidence regarding the Veteran's marital history or a request to reopen her DIC claim prior to March 3, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim, including obtaining a VA examination and reviewing all relevant evidence submitted since the last SSOC.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the Appellant, and appellants' claims do not survive their deaths.

The Veteran's left Achilles tendinitis with a spur was initially rated as noncompensable from October 7, 1992 to July 12, 1994 and then rated as 10 percent disabling from July 13, 1994. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to July 13, 1994 or for a higher rating thereafter.

The Board denied eligibility for CHAMPVA benefits due to the appellant not meeting the legal criteria, specifically that she was enrolled in Medicare Part A but not Part B during the period from February 2, 2005 through June 1, 2009.

The Veteran's digestive symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal pain, are not related to his active duty service. The Board finds that the post-service gastrointestinal complaints can be attributed to a known clinical diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's left arm disability was not proximately due to or the result of VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA in furnishing reasonable care.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional information regarding the validity of a debt created in relation to payment of VA nonservice-connected pension benefits from January 1, 2006. The amount and calculation of the debt owed by the Veteran are not clear.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for Addison's disease was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective July 31, 2007. The VA examiner found that the Veteran had one episode of hypoglycemia in October 2007 and two to four episodes during the past year.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for esophageal cancer, including as due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange), is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities, including hip replacements, venous lymphatic disease, and deep vein thrombosis, has been established. As a result, he is eligible for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's otitis externa of the left ear and cyst on chest are at least as likely as not etiologically linked to his active duty military service, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's ulcerative colitis and its residuals, including those due to treatment for gout, were not found to be caused by VA carelessness, negligence or error in judgment.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran was on active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA) during his reserve service, which could affect his claim for service connection for pancreatitis. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has denied reopening the claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of herniated nucleus pulposus as no new and material evidence was submitted to support the claim.

The Veteran's brachial plexus syndrome was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and the residuals of a blunt injury to his left mid-humeral level with ulnar and median nerve palsy do not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.,Service connection for brachial plexus syndrome is denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred during service or due to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's residuals from the blunt injury are currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 8512.

The Veteran's small sliding hiatal hernia with minimal reflux is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the evidence does not show symptoms of considerable impairment of health.,For fungal infection of feet and toes, the disability has been manifested by chronic tinea pedis involving the web spaces of the third, fourth, and fifth toes of both feet, affecting less than 5% of the entire body or 5% of exposed areas. Topical therapy was required.