Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for SLE was granted, and he is now receiving a 100% disability rating.,His earlier effective date appeal for TDIU based on service-connected SLE has been dismissed as moot due to the grant of the higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status, so this issue is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically for an adequate medical decision and to obtain private medical records identified by the Veteran and his daughter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's keratoconus had its onset during his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's request for an extension of his Chapter 33 delimiting date was denied because he did not provide good cause and the period of eligibility had already expired.

The Veteran's claim for PCAFC benefits was denied due to lack of evidence that he suffered a serious injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. The AOJ failed to provide proper notice as required by law, and this matter is being remanded to correct the error.

The Veteran is seeking payment or reimbursement for non-VA medical services provided by Olmsted Hospital from March 27, 2025 to April 1, 2025. The claim was denied because the Veteran did not provide information regarding payments made by his other health insurance (BlueCross BlueShield and Medicare). The Board has remanded the case for further action.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet the eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to a March 2021 decision by VA. The appeal is being remanded as the notification and rationale provided were inadequate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left elbow disabilities and service connection for fatty liver disease were denied. The Board found that the medical evidence did not support a higher rating for the left elbow conditions or a grant of service connection for fatty liver disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostatic hyperplasia is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The issue will be reconsidered with a focus on whether the condition had its onset in service or is related to his service, including as due to his conceded participation in a toxic exposure risk activity, and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for bowel incontinence since March 23, 2022. The Veteran's urinary incontinence is rated noncompensable.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an effective date prior to February 5, 2021 for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for TDIU and adaptive automobile equipment, effectively dismissing the claims.

The Board has determined that the initial decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits is flawed due to a duty-to-assist error and requires remand. The AOJ must provide complete notice of the decision as required by law, including elements such as identification of issues adjudicated, summary of evidence considered, applicable laws and regulations, findings favorable to the claimant, and elements not satisfied leading to denial.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw it before a decision was made.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) under subsection (r)(1) has been dismissed as the issue was fully granted in a previous Board decision.

The Veteran's right lower extremity varicose veins, post-phlebitic syndrome, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of persistent edema or stasis pigmentation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome was aggravated by service. The Veteran is asked to provide a VA examiner with additional information about his pre-existing condition and its relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eligibility for enrollment in the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) should be remanded due to insufficient explanation and evidence in the December 2022 decision. The AOJ is required to obtain a more detailed medical opinion and provide proper notice as per regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her residuals of right buttock cyst, which includes a painful scar, is granted. The Board found that the scars are stable and not unstable or associated with underlying soft tissue damage, warranting a 10% rating.