Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for urinary tract infections (UTIs) as secondary to his service-connected bladder cancer.

The Veteran's prostatitis was granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent, effective November 1, 2018. The decision found that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated daytime voiding interval less than one hour or awakening to void five or more times per night.

The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC enrollment is being remanded due to the need for an additional opinion on whether it is in his best interest.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for carcinoid tumors, finding that his condition was caused by herbicide agent exposure during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for advanced pulmonary fibrosis and cause of death due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's exposure at Fort Richardson and the potential relationship between his in-service respiratory illness and his current condition.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for neurological symptoms and muscle pain due to a lack of VA examinations, which is considered a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of non-VA medical services provided on September 11, 2019 was approved by VA facilities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted, effective September 4, 2023. The Board found that the evidence was evenly balanced in favor of finding that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is active and requiring current treatment, which meets the criteria for a rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of October 6, 2023, but no earlier, for a 100% disability rating for unspecified trauma and stressor disorder is granted. Basic eligibility to Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 from October 6, 2023, but no earlier, is also granted. The issue of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as moot due to the effective date for the 100% disability rating. SMC based on aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral dry eye syndrome with meibomian gland dysfunction is not rated compensably, and the issue of individual unemployability during the period on appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, finding that it is related to active duty service due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's causes of death to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for polycythemia vera, finding that the evidence did not support either claim. The Veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for his polycythemia vera as of August 28, 2014.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Merkel cell carcinoma, finding that it was caused by herbicide agent exposure during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as other specified trauma and stressor related disorder due to military sexual trauma (MST). The evidence supports a finding that this condition is causally related to in-service MST.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate assessment of the Veteran's need for personal care services, specifically regarding his ability to perform activities of daily living and require supervision or instruction.

The appeal seeking eligibility for enrollment in the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is dismissed due to the death of the co-applicant, who was applying as the Primary Family Caregiver.

The Veteran's spouse, M., was restored to his award of VA disability compensation as a dependent effective December 1, 2024. The appeal is dismissed because the benefit sought has already been granted.

The Veteran's application for PCAFC benefits was denied due to a lack of clinical eligibility. The Board has ordered the AOJ to provide proper notice as required by law, including identification of elements not satisfied leading to the denial.