The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from January 8 to January 11, 2013 are eligible for reimbursement as they met all criteria under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The emergency services provided were in a hospital setting and ambulance services available to the public. The Veteran was enrolled in the VA healthcare system and had no other insurance or medical payment contracts.
- Claimed conditions
- Esophageal ulcer, Right vocal cord paralysis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 5, 2016
- Citation
- 1631396
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 1631396.
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: Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to September 20, 2013 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran asserts that his symptoms warrant higher ratings.,The Veteran's right vocal cord paralysis is currently rated at 30 percent.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right vocal cord paralysis, finding that it was not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, TDIU, and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound due to inextricably intertwined issues with the gastroesophageal disorder claim. The VA is requested to obtain an etiology opinion on all esophageal conditions diagnosed during the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right vocal cord paralysis with voice hoarseness is granted a disability rating of 30 percent, based on the development of a fibrous subepithelial mass (nodule) that has not resulted in a constant inability to speak above a whisper.
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