The Veteran's unauthorized out-of-pocket massage therapy treatments from September 13, 2013 through December 11, 2013 were denied reimbursement because the services were not covered under VA's basic medical benefits package and there was no prior authorization for the treatment. The Board also found that the treatments did not meet the criteria of a 'medical emergency' as defined by VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The massage therapy treatments were scheduled in advance and did not involve an acute condition requiring immediate attention, thus failing to meet the standard for a medical emergency under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Massage therapy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18125906
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18125906.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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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