Other conditions decisions — 2025

The Veteran's rigid AFO left ankle brace was granted an annual clothing allowance for the 2020 calendar year due to its tendency to cause wear or tear to his outer clothing.

The appeal for an earlier effective date than August 10, 2020, for the grant of a 70 percent disability rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was dismissed due to untimeliness.

The Board is remanding the claim for further development and to correct a pre-decisional error, as the September 2021 decision was based on an invalidated legal definition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a finding of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The appeal concerning eligibility for the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his claim prior to his death.

The appeal for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred on March 19, 2021, is dismissed as there is no justiciable case or controversy.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding the reduction in the disability evaluation for hemorrhoids from 20% to 10%, effective June 1, 2023.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for burial benefits as the Veteran was not in receipt of VA compensation or pension benefits at the time of her death and did not meet any other criteria for such benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral benign breast tumors and chronic obstructive lung disease, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The appeal for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred on March 21, 2021, is dismissed as there is no justiciable case or controversy.

The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip disabilities without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The appeal concerning entitlement to payment of the cost of non-VA medical services provided on October 25, 2021, was denied due to lack of VA authorization.

The appeal concerning entitlement to payment of the cost of non-VA medical services provided on February 15, 2021, is denied.

The Board remands the matter to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the March 2023 administrative decision on appeal, specifically regarding the calculation of the overpayment and whether a waiver is warranted.

The Board remands the issue of eligibility for benefits under the VA PCAFC due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error by not obtaining an adequate medical opinion prior to issuing the decision on appeal.

The Board granted the claim for payment or reimbursement of expenses for medical services provided on July 25, 2019, by a non-VA medical provider under CHAMPVA as the claim was timely filed.

The Board granted service connection for right foot hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease and left foot hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease and hammer toe, finding that these conditions were caused by improperly fitted boots during the Veteran's active duty.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a right upper extremity condition, including as secondary to a service-connected lumbosacral strain, due to deficiencies in the prior adjudication.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding the restoration of her dependent B.S. and the 50 percent evaluation for bilateral pes cavus due to untimeliness.

The Board remands the claim to ensure that due process is followed and that there is a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran's claim.