Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's VR&E benefits were denied as he had overcome any impairment to employability due to his service-connected disabilities and was suitably employed in a job consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

The Veteran's surviving spouse is denied because the appellant was legally divorced from the Veteran at the time of his death and did not meet the criteria for recognition as a surviving spouse.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip disability as secondary to the service-connected PTSD, finding that the Veteran's obesity, which is linked to his service-connected PTSD, worsened his current left hip disability. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease (CAD) is rated at a maximum of 100 percent, as the evidence shows that a METs level of 1 to 3 results in angina, dizziness, or syncope.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of January 23, 2025 for a 100 percent evaluation for his persistent unspecified adjustment disorder with neurocognitive disorder. The Board found that it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's adjustment disorder warranted a rating greater than 30 percent prior to January 23, 2025.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hyperhidrosis.

The appeals for TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further review of the evidence, specifically regarding payment or reimbursement for non-VA emergency medical services provided by Perry Hi-Way Hose Company on January 31, 2020. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered under specific eligibility criteria.

The Veteran did not serve during a period of war, thus the appellant is not eligible for nonservice-connected death pension benefits or special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate (SMP-AA/HB).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected deviated nasal septum did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating, as it did not result in 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. Therefore, the appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete testing, requiring a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's immune system disorder is related to service exposure.

The Veteran's left index finger disability, which was previously rated at 10 percent since July 25, 2013, is denied as the evidence does not show that his condition has worsened to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal before the Board could make a decision, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's right finger disability, including post-5th phalange PIP joint fusion with limitation of motion, is related to his military service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's right Achilles condition and mild atrophy of calf muscle of right lower extremity have been granted service connection.,A 30 percent disability rating for the service-connected atrophy of calf muscle of left lower extremity with an effective date of January 30, 2019 has also been granted.

The Board is remanding the case due to a failure to properly notify the Veteran of the June 2020 decision regarding the timeliness of his HLR request, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 5104.

The Veteran's dependent child K. was restored to his VA disability compensation award, effective November 1, 2009. The former spouse S.'s removal from the Veteran's award was revised to June 1, 2014.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The appeal is about eligibility for direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the June 2024 rating decision. The amount of past-due benefits needs to be clarified and properly notified.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiorespiratory arrest and metastatic esophageal cancer. The appellant is recognized as the surviving spouse, but service connection for cause of death remains pending due to insufficient information on in-service exposure to herbicide agents.