Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for right and left lateral epicondylitis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service. The initial disability rating of 10% is assigned.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is not eligible for enrollment in the PCAFC program due to a lack of evidence showing he needs personal care services. The case is being remanded to obtain a new medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's right foot strain is rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The Board has remanded the remaining issues for further review.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to a single disability has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew their request for a hearing and subsequently requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The appeal for eligibility to enroll in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is denied due to the Veteran's death, which precluded initial eligibility.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his left tibial plateau fracture, s/p open reduction and internal fixation is remanded due to the lack of a VA examination within one year of the May 24, 2013, date of claim.

The Veteran's application for PCAFC eligibility was denied due to the VA Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) decision stating that he does not require personal care services. The Board is remanding the case as the notice provided did not meet statutory requirements, and a more detailed medical opinion is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's eligibility for benefits under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) because he was not found to be in need of personal care services due to an inability to perform activities of daily living, a need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, or a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which his ability to function in daily life would be seriously impaired.

The Board denied service connection for a left hand disorder and denied an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's psychiatric disability. The evidence did not support a finding that the current left hand disorder was incurred during military service.

The Veteran's appeal for benefits under the Department of Veterans Affairs' Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is dismissed due to an extension of eligibility.

The Board denied service connection for insomnia as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of insomnia and the Veteran's sleep symptoms were subsumed in his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed and anxious mood.

The Board has determined that there were errors in the pre-decisional duty to assist and remands the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's urinary frequency.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of attorney fees from past-due benefits awarded in a September 30, 2024 rating decision is dismissed because she lacks legal standing to contest the denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for organic aphonia with sialorrhea, SMC based on complete organic aphonia, and SMC at the housebound rate is granted effective August 10, 2022.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal through his authorized representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's claim for higher levels of SMC was denied as he did not meet the criteria for separate or additional rates due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) is dismissed because it remains pending in the legacy system.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left elbow condition, finding that his current disability is more likely than not caused by an in-service injury during his National Guard service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainties regarding the existence of the Veteran's estate and the need for proper service of process. The decision is not about service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for trouble breathing and coughs is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors prior to the December 2024 rating decision. The AOJ must develop his TERA participation, obtain private medical records, and schedule a VA examination.