Other conditions decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for a higher rate of survivor's pension benefits from January 1, 2019 to December 1, 2020 due to insufficient evidence provided regarding unreimbursed medical expenses.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 60 percent for unstable angina has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain missing documents and ensure compliance with VA's duty-to-assist requirements. The AOJ will need to associate all relevant notices, adjudicatory documents, and evidence considered in connection with the claim on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grants have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has determined that the decision regarding eligibility for benefits under VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is legally inadequate and requires further review. The Veteran was not provided with legally adequate notification as required by law, and there are inconsistencies in the medical opinion used to make the determination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is not eligible for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and has ordered remand to address issues related to eligibility determination.

The appellant withdrew their appeal of the issue regarding medical expenses incurred on December 4, 2019. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted a temporary total evaluation through December 1, 2018 for the Veteran's right foot heel spur surgery due to severe postoperative residuals.

The Veteran's service connection claims for recurrent right and left foot disabilities to include pes cavus are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has decided that the eligibility for benefits under VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is remanded due to a lack of notification and an inadequate medical decision. The issues are related to the Veteran's need for personal care services, supervision or protection based on his disabilities, and whether he meets the basic medical eligibility criteria under PCAFC.

The Board granted the Veteran's appeal, finding that VA improperly withheld his disability compensation benefits effective October 10, 2017 due to a misdemeanor conviction and not a felony.

The Veteran's appeal for a waiver of indebtedness was dismissed because he withdrew the appeal in August 2023.

The Veteran's appeal for PCAFC benefits is dismissed because the program does not provide periodic monetary benefits and final approval was not granted by the time of his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral eye disability is related to her in-service increase in myopia. The VA examiner will need to provide an addendum opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the initial decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits was not adequately supported and requires further review with additional medical evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a rectal disability, finding that it began during active duty service and is etiologically related to anal fissures he experienced in service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her right and left hip disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no compensable rating is assigned for bilateral hearing loss.