Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability, specifically his claimed pulmonary fibrosis and chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure. The VA will need to provide an adequate examination that considers all relevant exposures during and after service, including conceded asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was not granted until February 13, 2019. The Board found that there were no prior claims pending before this date.

The Board has determined that the March 2022 decision denying eligibility for PCAFC was not adequately supported by evidence and reasoning. The case is being remanded to allow for a new evaluation and determination of eligibility based on current medical information.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for eligibility to enroll in the PCAFC program should be remanded due to a lack of proper notice and an incomplete medical opinion.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to liver cancer, which is presumed to be related to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal for basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) prior to November 29, 2023 is denied. The appeal for the reduction in compensation benefits from $4,211.71 per month to $4,072.34 per month effective [REDACTED], 2024 is also denied.

The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus is granted a separate disability rating of 10 percent. The claim for an increased rating for left foot hallux valgus with metatarsalgia, including entitlement to a temporary total rating for convalescence following the December 6, 2023 bunionectomy, is denied.

The appeal is remanded due to inadequate notification of the decision and a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits must be re-evaluated with an adequate medical opinion.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for a compensable disability rating for recurrent hypoglycemic episodes with syncope due to health issues, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) has been extended until September 30, 2028. The appeal is dismissed as no adverse determination remains with which they disagree.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) has been dismissed as the representative withdrew it.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's financial hardship and her mental health condition. The Veteran is asked to provide an updated Financial Status Report (FSR) detailing her current financial situation, including any medical bills or changes in income that may affect her ability to pay the overpayment debt.

The appellant has withdrawn her appeal for service connection for the Veteran's cause of death for dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC). The Board dismissed the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a liver disability as there was no evidence of a current disability at the time of filing or during the pendency of the claim.

The Board has determined that the VA-affiliated clinician's opinion is not sufficient to determine the outcome of this claim, and an additional VA examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is not eligible for enrollment in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) program. The decision is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error and the need for an adequate CEAT consultation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically prolonged grief disorder with chronic sleep impairment, finding that his symptoms are related to active service and resolving any reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding service connection for cause of death. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's cardiac arrest and pulmonary embolism were related to his service or any of his service-connected conditions, including medications used to treat these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a July 2024 rating decision was dismissed due to the Veteran not timely submitting his VA Form 10182, which is required within 60 days of receiving notification of the determination.

The Board has identified a duty-to-assist error and is remanding the case to allow for a legally adequate medical decision regarding eligibility for PCAFC benefits.