The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for emergency treatment of a severe hand infection at Florida Hospital Flagler were approved due to the severity and urgency of his condition, as well as the unavailability of VA facilities within a reasonable distance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms warranted immediate medical attention given the severity of his hand swelling and pain, which prevented him from driving. The closest VA facility was over 60 miles away, making it unreasonable for him to attempt treatment there.
- Claimed conditions
- left hand cellulitis, infection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 14, 2015
- Citation
- 1552229
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 1552229.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion obtained in October 2023 is inadequate and constitutes a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. 1151 for infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal right knee prosthesis, due to treatment by VA, is remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus (DMII), skin rash, infection, cardiomyopathy, fluid around the heart, mesothelioma, and PTSD. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's exposure to toxins, including asbestos, and herbicide agents during his active service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an infection, status post total right knee replacement is denied because he did not have a current disability characterized as an infection of the right knee during the claim period.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found deficiencies in a previous VA medical opinion and has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's right shoulder complications following his surgery. The Veteran contends that he suffered additional disability due to unqualified personnel administering a Cortisone injection several months after his surgery.
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