Other conditions decisions — 2025

The Board granted an initial disability evaluation of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, diagnosed as other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder.

The Board remands the claim for payment of expenses incurred for transport to a non-VA facility by First Responder EMS on May 14, 2020, due to insufficient evidence and lack of adequate notice.

The Board denied payment for non-emergency, non-VA medical services performed on January 29, 2021, as they were not authorized by VA.

The Board denied the recoupment of VSI pay and waiver request, stating that it is required by law to offset VA's own benefits payments.

The appeal concerning entitlement to payment of the cost of non-emergency, non-VA medical services provided on July 27, 2021, is denied.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, attributing it to gastric cancer that was linked to Agent Orange exposure during his military service.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for the Veteran's herpes zoster and herpetic neuralgia, effective from April 29, 2004.

The Board remands the claim for a pre-decisional hearing notice to be provided to the Veteran.

The veteran withdrew all pending issues related to the appeals for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to January 26, 2015, and in excess of 30 percent between March 1, 2016, and August 22, 2019, for the service-connected right knee disability; a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 27, 2015, for right knee instability; and entitlement to a TDIU prior to August 22, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for bradykinesia of the bilateral lower extremities and stooped posture of the left side were granted with effective dates from December 26, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lower extremity radiculopathy and knee strain/instability, resulted in the effective loss of use of both feet, qualifying him for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The appeal for reimbursement of medical expenses is dismissed as there is no justiciable case or controversy.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically social phobia, as it was not incurred in or caused by the Veteran's active duty.

The appeal regarding the character of discharge from service was dismissed due to an untimely Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran was granted an increased level of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(p) at the intermediate rate between the rates authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(m) and (n), but no more, from July 24, 2020 to September 28, 2020; at the rate authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(n), but no more, from September 29, 2020 to January 19, 2022; and on and after January 20, 2022.

The Board granted eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a January 2024 rating decision.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent for narcolepsy, but no higher.

The Board granted revision of the September 2012 rating decision, in which an initial 10 percent rating was assigned for right lower extremity radiculopathy, on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE), and granted a 20 percent rating from August 26, 2011.

The appeal concerning entitlement to payment of the cost of non-VA medical services provided on January 8, 2021, is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal to add his son, J.J., back on the award of VA disability compensation as he no longer qualifies as a dependent.