Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board denied an earlier effective date for DIC benefits due to the Veteran's cause of death, finding that there was no prior pending claim and that the current grant of service connection for the cause of death is based on direct service connection rather than a presumption.

The Veteran's claim for travel expenses reimbursement associated with a medical appointment on May 8, 2025 was denied because the application was not submitted within 30 days of the travel.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of thrombosis, TIA or cerebral infarction (claimed as stroke) manifesting by weakness and tremor of the right upper extremity are rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for payment or reimbursement of non-VA medical services provided by Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. on June 13, 2020 is denied as the care was not authorized under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP).

The appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision as it is not allowed to proceed without the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip total arthroplasty prior to March 22, 2023 is dismissed due to procedural defects.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied as there is no document in the claims file that could be construed as a formal or informal claim for TDIU prior to December 2, 2013. The effective date of the award cannot be earlier than this date.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal regarding special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has dismissed this appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disorder, finding that the Veteran's in-service fall and subsequent pain are related to his current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for colonic adenocarcinoma, including as due to hazardous exposures in service, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide agent exposure and insufficient medical opinion supporting a link between the cancer and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues related to the creation of an overpayment and for proper referral to the Committee on Waivers and Compromises.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal for TDIU, and the Board has dismissed it as a result.

The Veteran's cause of death is granted due to service-connected back arthritis and obesity contributing substantially and materially to his Covid-19, which caused pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, and multisystem organ failure.

The Veteran's left foot disability, including arthritis and post-operative management for arthroplasty of the left great toe, was granted service connection as it had its onset during active service and continued to the present.

The Board has granted a later effective date of November 1, 2024 for the grant of an apportionment of the Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits to the appellee on behalf of M.C. and E.C.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding A.L.'s dependency status and paternity. The parties are requested to provide objective evidence of their financial situations.

The Board has granted eligibility for agent fees based on the March 2024 rating decision that assigned an earlier effective date of January 25, 2022, for the award of Special Monthly Pension (SMP) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of October 25, 2017 for a 100 percent rating for his other specified trauma and stress related disorder is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran continuously pursued his claim since he was granted service connection with an effective date of October 25, 2017.

The Veteran's eligibility for participation in VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to insufficient reasoning and lack of supporting data. The AOJ will need to provide a new medical determination considering all the relevant information.

The Veteran's sphincter repair residuals resulted in partial loss of sphincter control, causing bowel urgency and decreased sensation resulting in two or more bowel incontinence episodes per week. The Board granted a 60 percent rating for this condition.