Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board has dismissed the appeals for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits due to a procedural defect in docketing the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for Bell's palsy, seventh cranial nerve (right), finding that the Veteran's symptoms are consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental condition, claimed as mouth trauma/teeth loss, is remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records from his period of active duty.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 29, 2023 for the award of SMC based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran is also awarded a higher level of SMC at rate provided by 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and SMC(r)(1).

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of beneficiary travel expenses incurred on December 24, 2025 was denied due to the lack of clear and informative notice regarding the decision basis. The Board has decided to remand the case to provide proper notification and obtain any relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for dysphagia and voiding dysfunction, both residuals of his service-connected right-sided cerebrovascular accident, are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to esophageal cancer, which was found to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam. The Board granted the claim for service connection based on this evidence.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with cannabis use disorder is granted effective June 28, 2002 and a rating of 100 percent is granted.

The Veteran's eligibility for enrollment in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is granted due to his need for personal care services related to a neurological impairment or injury. The decision is based on VA clinical treatment records and assessments.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran withdrew it before a decision was made.

The Board has granted service connection for other specified trauma-and stressor-related disorder with secondary eating disorder and insomnia disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service. The appeal was not about PTSD, MDD, or GAD.

The Veteran's malignant neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error in obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's dry eyes and his service, particularly his exposure to toxins during service in the Persian Gulf.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for stress incontinence as secondary to her service-connected low back disability should be remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's spouse is requesting a waiver of an overpayment debt due to the recoupment of her husband's month of death benefits. The VA has proposed to recoup this amount based on evidence that they were divorced at the time of his death, and she is requesting a waiver because she was on a fixed income and had medical obligations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right leg chronic venous insufficiency due to inadequate medical opinions in the May 2023 Rating Decision. The Veteran's bilateral conditions are being reviewed on a direct basis, without presumptive or secondary theories.

The Veteran's death certificate shows he was divorced from the appellant at the time of his death, and thus she cannot be considered his surviving spouse for VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim to add his spouse K. as a dependent was granted with an effective date of September 13, 2024.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and a need for further development, including scheduling a VA examination.