Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran died during the pendency of his case, and thus has no jurisdiction to decide the merits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand infection and a compensable rating for a scar due to an infection from stitches were denied as there was no evidence of current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's appeal of the effective date for SMC based on a need for regular aid and attendance is dismissed as the AOJ decision implementing the Board's earlier effective date of July 25, 2019, is not subject to review.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for enrollment in the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's CML is rated as 100 percent disabling effective July 2, 2020. His eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is also granted on the same date.

The Veteran's spouse, who was the Primary Family Caregiver, is denied eligibility for PCAFC enrollment as they did not reside in a State.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as it is not properly before the Board for adjudication due to a claims-processing error, and the appellant ultimately received entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death in a December 2023 rating decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his service-connected left and right foot hallux valgus, finding that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5280.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not eligible for benefits under the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to his inability to perform activities of daily living and lack of need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment.

The Board has determined that the decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits was not clear and complete, and thus remands the case to provide proper notice under the correct statutory criteria.

The Veteran's claim for additional educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for a vocational flight training program from August 3, 2022 to August 9, 2022 is denied as he was not entitled to benefits in excess of $258.23.

The appellant withdrew her appeal for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for varicose veins of the left leg.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board cannot proceed without the complete education file, including the decision on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the eligibility determination for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to procedural and regulatory issues, including a need for better notification and clinical evaluation.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for eligibility to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The appeal is dismissed.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Claimant did not file a timely appeal request for her apportionment claim, and good cause was not shown to accept the late filing.

The appeal for service connection and special monthly compensation has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's loss of use of bilateral lower extremities is granted as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral neuropathy and radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and gout. Ratings for left and right lower extremity neuropathy are also granted.

The veteran's service in the Selected Reserve meets the six-year requirement for eligibility to receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for VA loan guaranty benefits, and his claim is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate his need for aid and attendance, but he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.