Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted a disability rating of 50 percent, but no higher.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the issue of whether the contractual payment rate for medical services provided by the appellant in March 2020 is proper falls under a specific administrative dispute resolution process that does not allow for appellate review.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability evaluation for panic disorder from 70 percent to 50 percent, effective December 1, 2019, was improper and is void ab initio. The Veteran's service-connected panic disorder with agoraphobia remains at a 70 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and needs a new opinion on whether the Veteran's current back disability is related to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because it does not have authority to address questions regarding the proper contractual payment rate for services provided under a Veterans Care Agreement (VCA). The appellant's request for additional payment under a VCA is dismissed.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for accrued benefits as her mother was awarded retroactive payments after her death, which does not meet the criteria for accrued benefits.

The Veteran's death benefits claim for the appellant as his helpless child is remanded due to a lack of proper notice under the VCAA.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the Veteran's claim for TDIU as it was not a valid appeal and the issue had already been decided by the previous June 2021 decision.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as it does not have authority to review disputes over contractual payment rates for home health services provided under Veterans Care Agreements (VCAs). The case is dismissed because the dispute resolution process established by law and regulation is exclusive to VA's agency of original jurisdiction, the VHA AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of beneficiary travel expenses is being remanded due to missing documents and unsuccessful attempts to associate relevant evidence with the file. The AOJ must ensure all documentation related to eligibility for payment or reimbursement is associated with the electronic claims file.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to recognize her father as a dependent parent for VA purposes, given his income does not meet the threshold for conclusive dependency but he is found to have insufficient income for reasonable maintenance.

The Board dismissed the appeal because it is a dispute over contractual payment rates for medical services provided under a Veterans Care Agreement (VCA), and such disputes are not subject to review by the Board.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because it does not have authority to address questions regarding the proper contractual payment rate for services provided under a Veterans Care Agreement (VCA). The appellant's request for additional payment under a VCA is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right hip femur fracture, status-post ORIF and his right elbow pain. The Board found that the fractures were aggravated by service and that the elbow pain began in-service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the inadequacy of the June 2020 VA examination and the need for further development related to toxic exposure and undiagnosed illness.

The Board has denied service connection for epididymitis, gastritis, and colitis as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions in the Veteran's post-service medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for evisceration of his left eye with prosthesis, finding that there was no evidence linking this condition to his active-duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, is related to his service during active duty. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits (SMP) is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, including the need to obtain VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's glioblastoma, a brain tumor, finding that it was caused by or resulted from herbicide agent exposure during active duty. DIC claims were dismissed as the initial claim had not yet been adjudicated by the AOJ.