The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses associated with a power wheelchair is being remanded to the VAMC in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for further consideration under all pertinent laws and regulations.
The deciding factor: The initial decision was based on 38 C.F.R. § 17.120 which does not cover transportation costs for prosthetic appliances or similar devices, and the veteran's claim involves such expenses.
- Claimed conditions
- loss of use of both feet, impairment of sphincter control, chronic cystitis, paralysis of upper radicular nerve group
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 22, 2004
- Citation
- 0419846
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0419846.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial ratings for allergic rhinitis, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, and impairment of sphincter control were remanded due to a failure by the AOJ to provide notice of his right to a hearing.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for the use of a manual wheelchair during the 2022 calendar year due to wear and tear on his clothing caused by the wheelchair.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for pruritus ani, hemorrhoids, and impairment of sphincter control are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of these conditions without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for sleep apnea was denied, and his claim for TDIU was granted. The Board found that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.
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