Other conditions decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) for his spouse based on the need for regular aid and attendance was not properly adjudicated in previous decisions. The Board is remanding the case to allow the AOJ to properly consider this issue.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right hand nerve damage (claimed as right hand surgery/right thumb) is being remanded due to procedural errors in the initial adjudication. The claim will be reconsidered under compensation provisions, specifically 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's right little finger status post dislocation disability is currently rated as noncompensable due to the absence of limitation of motion or other compensable criteria under VA rating schedules.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot condition due to insufficient evidence of symptoms or impairment, and thus did not establish a disability.

The Veteran's bladder disability, characterized by voiding dysfunction, was initially rated noncompensable in the August 2013 rating decision and later increased to 20 percent effective July 31, 2019. The claim for an earlier effective date than July 31, 2019 is denied.,The Veteran's request for a higher rating of 60 percent for the bladder disability as a manifestation of his service-connected low back disability is also denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the claim for payment of non-VA medical services provided on February 21, 2020, was resolved by an administrative action that granted the benefit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing heart condition, including a ventricular septal defect and heart murmur, was aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to determine the specific nature of the SSA benefits received by the appellant, and for calculating her countable income and unreimbursed medical expenses during the appeal period.

The Veteran's bladder condition is denied as there is no current disability found by the VA examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right restless leg syndrome due to a lack of an opinion addressing whether his PTSD or medications related to PTSD aggravated his current condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for panic disorder with occasional depressive features was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date prior to December 9, 2018, for higher evaluations and earlier effective dates for autoimmune hemolytic anemia and scleroderma. The appeals are being remanded due to a pending request for substitution of the appellant as the claimant.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance benefits due to a lack of qualifying active duty service, specifically IADT (initial active duty training).

The Veteran's service does not meet the requirements for basic eligibility for Post 9/11 GI Bill educational assistance benefits due to insufficient qualifying active duty and discharge under other than dishonorable conditions.

The Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is granted with an effective date of March 15, 2021. This decision is based on the 'look back rule' due to evidence showing a disability increase prior to March 15, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected dermatophytosis is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of the current severity of his condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural errors and lack of clear information regarding the nature of the Veteran's incarceration, which could affect the reduction of his VA disability compensation benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand disabilities due to a lack of sufficient evidence and because the Veteran participated in toxic exposure risk activities during his military service. A VA examination is required, and the Veteran should be notified about his right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The Veteran withdrew his service connection claims for bilateral flatfoot and bilateral hip disorders, so the Board dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's death precludes eligibility for PCAFC benefits, and the appeal is dismissed as a matter of law.