Other conditions decisions — 2025

The appeals for payment of non-VA medical services from multiple periods in 2020 were dismissed due to the dispute process being governed by statutory and contractual authority that does not allow Board review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance and/or being housebound, as his service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for reimbursement of travel expenses related to a roundtrip from his residence to the North Little Rock VAMC on March 1, 2024, as treatment was available at a closer facility.

The appeal for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) was dismissed as the Veteran cannot challenge the merits of a Board decision by expressing disagreement with the implementing rating decision.

The appeal was granted to the extent that new and relevant evidence was received, allowing for readjudication of the claim for service connection for a skin condition. The issue is remanded for further development.

The Board granted service connection for multiple myeloma, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's condition is causally related to his active duty.

The Board remands the matter for a correction of an error by the AOJ in satisfying a regulatory duty, specifically to provide notice of the right to a hearing on a supplemental claim.

The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities for the period on appeal prior to May 31, 2016.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for hepatic steatosis and esophageal varices to obtain a medical opinion from an examiner well-versed in Camp Lejeune contaminated water matters.

The appeal for TDIU was denied due to the Veteran's failure to provide necessary information and forms, making it impossible to properly adjudicate his claim. The increased rating for the eye disability was granted for specific periods but a higher rating was not supported by the evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to July 23, 2020, as his service-connected disabilities alone did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a penile disability pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151, finding that he does not have additional disability as a result of an August 2010 procedure.

The Board granted service connection for vitiligo, finding that the Veteran's condition is related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, to include cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation, as the evidence did not support that the Veteran's heart disability began in service, is related to service, showed chronic symptoms in service, manifested to a compensable degree within one year of service, or is otherwise related to service.

The termination of VA pension benefits due to the Veteran's fugitive felon status was proper; restoration of VA pension benefits from June 1, 2016, is denied.

The Board granted service connection for carcinoma of the small intestine with metastasis to the liver, brain cancer, and colon cancer pursuant to the PACT Act. It also granted service connection on a direct basis for carcinoma of the small intestine with metastasis to the liver.

The Board granted a waiver of recovery of the overpayment in the calculated amount of $28,146.19 due to equity and good conscience.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher level of payment of educational assistance benefits under Chapter 33, Title 38, United States Code (known as Chapter 33 or the Post-9/11 GI Bill), which was currently paid at the 50-percent level.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from October 12, 2016, to May 12, 2019.

The Board denied entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's left foot disability, finding that the evidence did not support an actual loss of use of the left foot and that higher or separate ratings were not warranted under any other diagnostic codes.