Other conditions decisions — 2026

The Board denied the claim for service connection for a sinus disability as there was no new and relevant evidence presented to support the claim.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a shell fragment wound to the back is granted at 20 percent, but no higher. Service connection for a spine disability other than residuals of the SFW to the back and for an acquired psychiatric disorder are denied. Service connection for basal cell carcinoma is also denied.

The Veteran's rating for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder was increased to 100% effective January 2, 2024. Attorney H.B. is eligible for direct payment of attorney fees based on the past-due benefits awarded in this decision.

The Board has found multiple pre-decisional duty to assist errors and remanded the case for further action, including obtaining private treatment records from Dr. M.S.S., scheduling a VA examination, and addressing inconsistencies in previous opinions.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected recurrent acute pharyngitis, finding no evidence of stricture or obstruction of pharynx or nasopharynx, paralysis or absence of the soft palate, or chronic laryngeal hoarseness.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for payment or reimbursement of beneficiary travel lodging expenses associated with a non-VA oncology appointments on May 29 and 30, 2025 due to incomplete records. The VA needs to obtain all relevant VHA and Beneficiary Travel records related to the Veteran's care.

The Board has found that the Veteran's congestive heart failure, supraventricular arrhythmia, bilateral lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, and enlarged prostate are related to his in-service exposure to herbicides. The claims have been remanded for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for aid and attendance allowance, which has been granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for NSC survivor's pension benefits due to her income exceeding the applicable maximum annual pension rate (MAPR).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and rating reductions due to issues with the propriety of reducing disability ratings, as well as the need to obtain additional medical records. The Veteran is also being asked to provide authorization or submit any outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal to add his parent as a dependent on VA disability compensation was dismissed due to untimely filing.

The Veteran's service-connected levator ani syndrome is granted an increased rating of 30 percent, but no higher, effective from May 29, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's eye disabilities, including bilateral cataracts, hypertensive retinopathy, hypermetropia, astigmatism, presbyopia, unspecified peripheral retinal degeneration, dry eye syndrome, presence of intraocular lens, old branch retinal vein occlusion, and bilateral pinguecula.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a brain tumor removal, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and colon condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,New evidence has been received but does not establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for adding his spouse as a dependent on his VA disability compensation, stating that evidence of dependency status was not submitted within one year of notification of the December 2019 rating action.

The Veteran's claim for recognition of his wife as a dependent spouse for VA purposes is granted due to the submission of sufficient documentation, including a marriage certificate and proof of divorce from his previous wife.

The Veteran's active duty service was not sufficient to meet the eligibility criteria for Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) educational assistance benefits due to it being ACDUTRA and not meeting the required 90 days of qualifying active duty.

The Board has determined that the February 2025 decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits is legally inadequate and requires further development. The Veteran's caregiver provided evidence indicating a higher level of care was needed, which was not considered in the original decision.

The Veteran's appeals for restoration of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits from March 1, 2025 have been dismissed as the benefits were restored in June 2025.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the proposed effective date of March 19, 2023 for the grant of SMC due to CUE was premature and not an appealable issue.