The Veteran's non-VA medical expenses incurred at Gulf Coast Medical Center on May 1, 2014 for earaches with upper respiratory infection were reimbursed as the nearest VA facility was not feasibly available and attempts to use this alternative service beforehand would not have been considered reasonable by a prudent layperson.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the nearest VA medical facility was not equipped with an emergency department and closed at the time of the claimed medical event, making it not feasibly available. The Veteran's residence was approximately six minutes from GCMC, which had an emergency department.
- Claimed conditions
- Earaches with upper respiratory infection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18153763
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 18153763.
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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