Other conditions decisions — 2025

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board granted service connection for cardiomyopathy and biatrial enlargement as components of the Veteran's service-connected hypertensive heart disease, but denied service connection for a deviated nasal septum with synechia.

The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound criteria due to a contradiction between the Veteran's reported independence and medical records, requiring further development.

The Board remands the claim for a new medical opinion to address the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hyper-mobile tympanic membrane, including whether it is related to service or caused by the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss.

The appellant's claim for accrued benefits in excess of $2,120.00 was denied as he is not a 'child' of the Veteran for VA purposes and there are no additional expenses associated with E.A.'s last sickness or burial beyond what has already been reimbursed.

The Board granted the Veteran's appeal for eligibility to direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the November 2023 rating decision.

The Board remands the appeal for an opinion on whether it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the PCAFC program and to provide complete notice as required by law.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits and services under Chapter 31, finding he did not have an employment handicap despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for major depressive disorder to obtain outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back injury, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service back injury and no evidence linking the current condition to military service.

The appellant's countable income exceeded the applicable maximum annual pension rates, resulting in a denial of nonservice-connected VA survivor's (death) pension benefits.

The Board remands the matter for an adequate medical opinion to determine if the Veteran requires personal care services and supervision, protection or instruction due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied a higher level of compensation for the award of special monthly compensation, effective as of December 14, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The veteran withdrew the appeal, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review it.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for earlier effective dates of service connection for shin splints and radiculopathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29 for hospital treatment in excess of 21 days due to her participation in a residential rehabilitation program for substance abuse, which was found to be consistent with domiciliary care and not hospital care.

The Board remands the claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as the AOJ should have attempted to obtain a medical examination.

The Board granted service connection for a fistula disability, finding that the Veteran's perianal abscess began during his active service and that he has had continued problems with it since then.

The appeal for accrued benefits for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance was dismissed as moot.