Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's service is found to be qualifying for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, and her claim for education assistance under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of retinal tear and eye floaters are being remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The VA is instructed to obtain a new opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's acute myeloid leukemia is granted as service-connected for the purposes of accrued benefits, and his cause of death due to this condition is also granted.

The Veteran's surviving spouse requested withdrawal of the appeal for payment or reimbursement of ambulance transport costs. The Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of $19,395.03 is not valid due to a processing delay by VA and therefore grants the Veteran's challenge to its validity.

The Veteran's request for a waiver of recoupment of military separation pay in the amount of $32,038.20 was denied as VA regulations require that separation pay be withheld before VA compensation can be paid.

The Veteran's DIC and accrued benefits claims are being remanded for further action due to the death of the original claimant. The AOJ is required to make a substitution determination before proceeding with the claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for liver damage status post TB exposure and bilateral dry eye syndrome has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's spouse, C., and his claimed stepchildren were removed from his VA compensation award. The appeal challenging the removal of C. is granted, while the appeal for removing the stepchildren is denied.

The Veteran's right long thoracic nerve palsy resulted in severe incomplete paralysis, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of metastatic left breast cancer status post lumpectomy is denied. The earliest possible effective date is June 24, 2024, as this is the date of receipt of his Intent to File.

The Veteran's other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted an increased rating to 70 percent, but no higher. The decision does not address service connection theory or exposure basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a duty to assist error. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder claim will be reconsidered with the inclusion of all relevant private medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the apportionment of his VA benefits to cover his minor children's expenses. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atrial fibrillation is at least as likely as not related to his active-duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected acute adjustment disorder with depressed mood is rated at 50 percent, effective from August 14, 2025. The Board found the symptoms consistent with a 50 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the prior VA examination, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is being returned for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left arm and hand nerve damage is related to a blood draw in August 29, 2018. The claim will be reconsidered with additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the AOJ's decision on VR&E services did not adequately consider whether self-employment was a suitable vocational goal for the Veteran. The case is being remanded to evaluate this issue.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for payment or reimbursement of ambulance transportation provided on June 19, 2022, due to a pre-decisional error in failing to consider whether payment could be made under 38 U.S.C. § 1725.