Other conditions Board decisions

The Board denied recognition of J. as the Veteran's surviving spouse for the purpose of entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits because they were married less than one year before his death, and there was no evidence that a common-law marriage existed prior to their ceremonial marriage.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for congestive heart failure with bradycardia and heart block, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of June 9, 2022, for service connection for the Veteran's temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

The Board remands the claim of entitlement to service connection for left elbow lateral epicondylitis due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board remands the matter for a medical opinion and proper notice regarding eligibility for benefits under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).

The Board granted service connection for inclusion body myositis (IBM) based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE).

The appeal was dismissed as the issue of entitlement to payment for non-VA medical services provided on October 22, 2018, has been resolved by administrative action.

The appeal is remanded to the AOJ for a more detailed medical opinion and proper notice regarding eligibility for PCAFC benefits.

The appeal of the claim for service connection for herpes has been withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of non-VA medical services from August 1, 2020, to August 6, 2020, is granted due to the emergency nature of the treatment and the unavailability of VA facilities.

The appeal for benefits under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is dismissed due to the extension of eligibility for legacy PCAFC participants.

The appeal regarding the reduction of right knee strain from 20 percent disabling to 10 percent disabling was withdrawn by the Veteran and is therefore dismissed.

The Board remands the claim for the AOJ to reconstruct the Veteran's VHA claim file and ensure compliance with notice requirements.

The Board denied the claims for earlier effective dates for service connection, special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria, and Dependents Educational Assistance.

The Veteran's VA disability compensation will be apportioned in the amount of $525 to support his dependent child, E.R., as he is not reasonably discharging his responsibilities to his dependent.

The Board granted a survivor's special monthly pension rate of $1,432 from January 2023 to November 2023.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation due to the need for further development and readjudication.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia to obtain a medical opinion addressing the Veteran's contentions regarding exposure to toxic substances in paints and paint stripping agents during service.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of January 24, 2023, for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the matter to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's service information and treatment records.