Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to self-sustain in the community due to his dementia and major neurocognitive disorder, requiring continuous supervision or instruction from his caregiver. The decision grants a Level 2 stipend under the PCAFC program.

The Veteran's dependent spouse and stepchildren were removed from his VA disability compensation due to a divorce. The appeal for restoration of the former spouse is denied, but the appeal for restoration of the stepchildren is granted.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development regarding toxic exposures and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was granted with an effective date of March 13, 2024. This decision is based on the PACT Act becoming effective and the Veteran's symptoms being consistent with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since April 14, 2022.

The Veteran's child, A.S., became permanently incapable of self-support before turning 18 due to toxic brain syndrome. The Board granted additional dependency compensation based on this finding.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, finding that the claim was filed within one year of separation from active duty and therefore the earliest possible effective date is October 15, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for gonococcal urethritis and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) as these conditions are found to have been incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's eligibility for the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) has been extended and will be reassessed at a later time, so their appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for occlusion and stenosis of the right carotid artery, amaurosis fugax (claimed as temporary right eye blindness), and bilateral cataract eye surgeries, all of which are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The VA examiners found that there was no direct link between these conditions and the Veteran's service or herbicide exposure.,The Board also remanded the claim for entitlement to service connection for headaches/migraines, as secondary to hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for left ventricular hypertrophy and service connection for sinus bradycardia are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal regarding an overpayment of VA pension benefits in the amount of $193,512.00.

The Veteran's death was due to carcinoma esophagus, with head and neck cancer noted as significant conditions. The Board found that the evidence does not support a connection between in-service herbicide agent exposure and the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is denied. The effective date for the award of service connection remains June 22, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for additional compensation benefits for his spouse was granted in a November 2025 decision, which constitutes a full grant of the benefit sought. The appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of right eye blindness is granted.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of the right eye is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for right eye blindness prior to January 13, 2014 remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, diagnosed as unspecified neurocognitive disorder, is remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional TERA development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's metastatic pancreatic cancer, which was service-connected, substantially and materially contributed to his death. Therefore, service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings in multiple conditions have been dismissed. The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for bilateral conjunctivitis with dry eye syndrome.