The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are currently rated based on their severity. The PTSD claim is being remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran’s hypertension has not met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code. His erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The PTSD claim requires additional evidence to determine if it warrants an increased rating.,Service connection for hepatitis, agoraphobia, and sleep disturbance was denied in previous decisions that were not appealed. Service connection for hearing loss, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, low back disability, kidney disease, ear disability, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being reopened.,The Veteran's spouse’s need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.
The deciding factor: The PTSD claim requires additional evidence to determine if it warrants an increased rating based on the current criteria in place under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders at 38 C.F.R. § 4.130.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21009764
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21009764.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
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