The Veteran was treated at Sumner Regional Medical Center for an acute postoperative wound infection of the left foot. The Board found that he met the criteria for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses due to his service-connected disabilities, a prudent layperson's belief in the emergency nature of his symptoms, and the unavailability of VA facilities within reasonable distance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was assigned a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders. The Board found that he reasonably believed it not feasible to reach the nearest VA hospital for immediate treatment, thus meeting all conditions for payment or reimbursement under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728 and 38 C.F.R. § 17.120.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute postoperative wound infection of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1520572
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1520572.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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- Whole decision: Granted
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