Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Veteran's surviving spouse is denied DIC benefits because the appellant did not live continuously with the Veteran from their marriage until his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for reimbursement of non-VA medical services provided on October 2, 2022, and October 14, 2022 due to incomplete evidence. The AOJ must associate all relevant claim documents with the file, including medical bills or invoices, and any available private medical records related to these services.

The Veteran's service in the Selected Reserve meets the minimum six-year requirement for VA home loan guaranty benefits, and his appeal is granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet the eligibility criteria for enrollment in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to lack of evidence supporting his need for personal care services, supervision or protection, and regular or extensive instruction. The decision is remanded to provide a legally adequate medical opinion from the CEAT regarding these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected functional constipation is rated at 10 percent since June 26, 2024. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran is seeking reimbursement for non-VA ambulance services provided on May 23, 2022. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to evaluate the claim under applicable laws and regulations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for adding the Veteran's minor child and spouse as dependents to his VA disability compensation benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of non-VA ambulance transportation services provided on January 17, 2022, as he did not receive VA healthcare within the past 24 months prior to the emergency treatment.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is found to be at least as likely related to his period of active duty from June 2004 to April 2005.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired pes cavus with metatarsalgia, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected right foot condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death and dismissed the claims for survivor pension benefits and accrued benefits due to lack of pending claims or appeals at the time of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's overpayment claim is being remanded for further development, including an audit of his compensation and UTA-based military pay records to determine the actual amount overpaid.

The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied, and the appellant did not file a timely request to substitute or claim for accrued benefits within one year of his death.

The Veteran's incarcerated status due to a felony conviction has resulted in his VA disability compensation benefits being reduced. The appellant, the paternal aunt and custodian of the children, is granted an apportionment from the Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits on behalf of her two children.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left breast ductal carcinoma and right breast fibroadenoma are granted due to presumed exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water during active service.

The Veteran withdrew all his pending claims, including the issues of whether he is competent to handle VA funds and for an earlier effective date for SMC. As a result, both appeals are dismissed.

The Board dismissed the issue of whether the overpayment of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation benefits, in the amount of $34,325.29 is valid.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for infertility should be remanded due to insufficient evidence and because of a new statutory duty under the PACT Act.

The Board has found a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development, including an addendum opinion from a clinician who examines the Veteran's emphysema.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at UPMC from July 23, 2020 through July 24, 2020 was timely filed and he is deemed to have met the requirements for medical reimbursement under 38 U.S.C. § 1725.