Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is found to have aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which was previously denied. The Board grants service connection for OSA as secondary to the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's eligibility for enrollment in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to insufficient evidence addressing his need for personal care services and supervision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for reimbursement of burial transportation expenses and remanded the claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits due to a lack of evidence regarding the location of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the May 2025 decision. The Board requires a medical opinion from CEAT regarding the Veteran's need for personal care services and supervision.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is not in need of personal care services and therefore does not qualify for enrollment in the PCAFC. The decision must be remanded to obtain a more detailed medical opinion and proper notice.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary embolism is secondary to his service-connected heart disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam, which is necessary for determining if CLL can be presumed related to service.

The Board has vacated the portion of its decision that remanded the claim for a new medical opinion related to eligibility for benefits under the PCAFC. The issue is now remanded due to improper notice provided by the AOJ.

The Board has denied the request to readjudicate the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as no new and relevant evidence was submitted after the May 2024 decision.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right elbow epicondylitis, finding that the conditions were incurred during active service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death due to lack of evidence linking the Veteran's conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are granted as they are found to be related to herbicide agent exposure during his active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected heart conditions (unstable angina, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy with AICD) are granted. Additionally, the Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's application for PCAFC was denied due to a lack of personal care services and supervision. The Board has decided the appeal is remanded, requiring further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical services provided by Comprehensive Urgent Care LLC on July 1, 2025 is remanded due to unclear application of applicable regulations and lack of clarity regarding whether CUC qualifies as a qualifying urgent care entity.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional error in not considering all submitted evidence and addressing the medical literature. A new VA examination is required.

The Board previously granted SMC effective November 16, 2023. However, the Court found that the effective date should be determined based on evidence showing an increase in disability within a year prior to the Veteran's intent to file a claim. The case is being remanded for further consideration of the proper effective date.

The Board has determined that the eligibility decision for PCAFC benefits is not legally sufficient and requires further review, including obtaining a medical opinion from CEAT regarding personal care services needs and supervision requirements.

The Veteran's cause of death, malignant neoplasm of the brain, is found to be related to his conceded herbicide exposure during service. Service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for polycythemia vera, finding that it is due to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange.