Other conditions decisions — 2026

The AOJ denied the Veteran's eligibility to enroll in the PCAFC benefit due to a lack of personal care services and supervision needs. The decision is remanded for further evaluation based on all evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R-1 level is denied as he does not meet any of the criteria required for such a rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically in obtaining VA medical records and an adequate medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, and instructed that an accounting/audit should be conducted regarding the amount of dependency allowance received for MKP by the Veteran.

The Veteran's cause of death is attributed to myelodysplastic syndrome, which the Board finds was not service-connected. The claim will be remanded for further investigation into whether exposure to herbicide agents during service caused or aggravated these conditions.

The appeal of eligibility to enroll in VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is dismissed as the Veteran was already enrolled prior to his death.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for additional compensation benefits based on her mother being a dependent parent, as her expenses exceed her income and she requires financial support.

The Board has granted an effective date of December 26, 2023 for the appellant's claim for aid and attendance benefits. The decision is based on the appellant filing a VA Form 21-0966 Intent to File (ITF) with the VA employee who checked the 'pension' box instead of 'compensation'.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for neurogenic stool incontinence and denied his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral varicoceles. The Veteran was granted special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a creative organ effective December 1, 2013.

The Veteran's eligibility for copay exemption for medical care was changed from exempt to required, and the appeal is granted.,The Veteran's eligibility for copay exemption for prescriptions was changed from exempt to required, and the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating from August 2, 2013 to April 8, 2025.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as a separate compensable rating for insomnia are remanded due to outstanding private treatment records from Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain these records and inform the Veteran if they cannot be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for travel benefits associated with a December 7, 2023 medical appointment at the Lyons VA Medical Center was denied due to an error in the decision. The appeal is dismissed as the benefit has been approved.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for an overpayment of VA compensation benefits due to the Veteran's incarceration, finding that VA was at fault and delayed in processing the adjustment.

The Board dismissed the appeal challenging the validity of an overpayment of VA pension benefits in the amount of $138,175.00 as a matter of law.

The Veteran's daughter, S., is in the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits. The Board finds there was a pre-decisional error and requires additional development to obtain relevant medical records from SSA and D.H., ARNP.

The AOJ denied the Veteran's eligibility to enroll in the PCAFC benefit due to a lack of personal care services and supervision needs. The decision is remanded for further review based on all evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for xerosis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service, including exposure to chemical irritants such as petroleum oil.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 23, 2023 for a 100% disability rating for the Veteran's hernia condition.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to lack of new and relevant evidence since the March 2024 rating decision.