Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board has restored special monthly compensation (SMC) based on a need for regular aid and attendance, which was previously discontinued due to the Veteran not having a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent. The decision finds that the AOJ improperly applied the applicable laws and regulations in severing SMC.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's income exceeded the VA means test threshold for medical care and prescriptions in 2023, resulting in a denial of copay exemption. The claim is denied as there was no service-connected condition or exposure basis to support the request.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in notification and eligibility determination, requiring a new evaluation by CEAT and proper notice to all parties.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for emphysema is remanded due to the need for a TERA memorandum addressing his exposure as a chemical operations specialist.

The appeal concerning eligibility to enroll in VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is denied due to the Veteran's death, making it impossible to meet the eligibility requirements at any point prior to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for bowel impairment associated with CVA and voiding dysfunction associated with CVA, along with special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. The grant of service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate notification and a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as there was no proper notice provided regarding eligibility for PCAFC benefits. The medical decision by the CEAT is also deemed legally inadequate.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC benefits as there was no evidence showing that a service-connected disability caused the Veteran's death. The Veteran did not have at least ten years of total service-connected disability prior to his death, nor was he a former prisoner of war.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 13, 2021 for the grant of service connection for Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at U-Tapao RTAFB in Thailand.

The Veteran's appeal for entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by him and his representative.

The Veteran's appeal to increase the level of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was dismissed as the July 2025 VA Form 10182 did not identify the date of the April 2023 Board decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's attributable household income for 2023 exceeded the VA Means Test threshold, thus denying his eligibility for copay exemption in VA healthcare and prescriptions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date than September 14, 1989, for the award of service connection for Crohn's disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right hip disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or event and that the current condition is not related to service.

The Veteran's request for an extension of time to file a Board Appeal request was denied, and the attempted appeal is dismissed due to untimeliness.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal to add his dependent spouse with an earlier effective date prior to August 23, 2021 as the Veteran withdrew the appeal.

The Veteran's serious injury is now eligible for VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) benefits due to a change in eligibility criteria. The claim will be processed again.

The Veteran and his caregiver seek eligibility for enrollment in VA's PCAFC, but the Board finds that there is no evidence showing the Veteran requires personal care services due to an inability to perform ADLs or a need for supervision. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of establishing eligibility to VA death benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits due to a separation not by mutual consent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a new determination of the character of discharge, including consideration of whether there are compelling circumstances that mitigate misconduct.