Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board has determined that there was an error in the initial decision regarding eligibility for PCAFC benefits and requires a new medical determination considering all available evidence.

The Board denied service connection for lupus, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current diagnosis and his period of active service.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for his right ring finger status post tenodesis and bilateral hip strain have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of a compensable rating for the right ring finger, as it is currently rated at zero percent due to painful motion. For the hips, the evidence shows that the Veteran's range of motion was limited but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5251, 5252, and 5253.

Your DIC claim has been granted, and the appeal is dismissed as it has already been decided.

The Veteran's appeal of the May 15, 2023 rating decision for service connection for a right testicle condition was dismissed because he did not identify a valid rating decision in his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and potential toxic exposure risk activities (TERA). The Veteran's private treatment records from Sentara Careplex Hospital need to be obtained, and a medical opinion is needed to determine if esophagus cancer and sepsis are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for VA beneficiary travel benefits for treatment received on May 10, 2022 was dismissed as the evidence showed that her benefit had already been granted and payment made.

The Board has decided to remand the eligibility determinations for enrollment in the PCAFC based on applications submitted in February 2020, May 2020, and March 2022. The reasons for remanding are provided in the decision.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for joint pain condition due to a lack of STRs and inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements will be considered, along with VA examination results.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service personnel records and a need for a new determination of character of discharge. The appeal will be reconsidered under the revised regulations regarding character of discharge.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a right-hand index finger condition due to an in-service injury, as there was no adequate VA medical opinion provided. The Veteran's STRs show he had a right index finger injury while using a pump, but the examiner did not consider these records or address the functional effects of his pain.

The Veteran's other specified trauma and stress related disorder is currently rated at 30 percent prior to July 3, 2024, and 50 percent since that date. The Board has denied both the request for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's application for eligibility to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to a finding that he was not in need of personal care services for at least six continuous months based on his inability to perform an activity of daily living or a need for supervision, protection, or instruction.

The Veteran seeks reimbursement for non-VA prescription expenses incurred on February 1, 2025. The claim was denied due to lack of VA-approved urgent or emergency care. The Board finds the evidence insufficient and remands for further action.

The Veteran's service connection for vitiligo was granted, effective June 18, 2024. The rating assigned is 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for overactive bladder and dysuria is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA medical opinion. The new examination will assess whether her current symptoms are related to her period of service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip degenerative joint disease, finding that the conditions were diagnosed within one year of discharge from active service and are causally related to active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for pancreatic cancer, finding that there is no scientific relationship between the condition and military service. The evidence does not support a link to toxic exposures at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's request to delay repayment of overpaid VA educational assistance benefits due to financial difficulties is under review. The Board cannot locate the decision letter and formal request, which are necessary for a complete adjudication.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune, which is considered a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA). The Veteran was presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Board will schedule an examination for the Veteran to determine if his ATTR is related to his service.