Real decisions, in plain English

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for OSA and insomnia must be remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions, as well as a failure to obtain TERA opinions on all relevant exposures.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) · Insomnia Disorder

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence in the file, requiring a VA examination and medical opinion. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and erectile dysfunction are being reviewed.

acquired psychiatric disorder · erectile dysfunction

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of beneficiary travel expenses incurred round-trip to and from the Salisbury VAMC on November 29, 2025, is granted. The Board found that the treatment received was emergency treatment due to severe abdominal pain and blood in urine.

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development. The Veteran contends his allergic rhinitis began during service, but VA medical opinions have found no link between his current condition and service.

Allergic rhinitis

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for the service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability has been denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

Bilateral Hearing Loss

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip articular cartilage disorders with an effective date of July 27, 2022.

left hip articular cartilage disorder · right hip articular cartilage disorder

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were dismissed due to his death.

bilateral hearing loss · hypertension · diabetes · peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities

The appeals regarding the evaluation of bilateral plantar fasciitis and residuals of fractures of the second, fourth, and fifth left toes, as well as the evaluation of bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with loss of use, are dismissed as untimely.

bilateral plantar fasciitis · residuals of fractures of the second, fourth, and fifth left toes

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a left clavicle disability, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran for a TDIU prior to May 8, 2024.

PTSD · Left Clavicle Disability

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder and depression with anxious distress are granted as related to military sexual trauma during inactive duty for training.,An effective date of August 10, 2016, is granted for service connection of left sciatic radiculopathy.

posttraumatic stress disorder · depression with anxious distress · left sciatic radiculopathy

The Veteran's right ankle sprain, lumbar strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, headaches (tension), and erectile dysfunction are all granted as service connection. The Veteran's asthma is also granted as service connection. However, the Veteran's muscle pain/spasms do not meet VA compensation criteria.,Service connection for these conditions is based on their onset during or shortly after service.

Bilateral Hearing Loss · Right Ankle Sprain · Lumbar Strain · Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis · Headaches (Tension) · Erectile Dysfunction · Asthma · Muscle Pain/Spasms

The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors and inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left heel disability.

left heel disability

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

Major depressive disorder with anxious distress

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% and cannot be increased.,SMC at the housebound rate is granted from January 11, 2021 due to multiple service-connected disabilities.,A TDIU rating effective October 28, 2011 is granted based on inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to migraine headaches.,Eligibility for DEA benefits is granted but no earlier than the date of claim (April 5, 1999).

migraine headaches · left foot scars · left foot plantar fasciitis · left great toe bunionectomy · TMJ disorder

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining records from the Lancaster Vet Center and private mental health professionals.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) · Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) · Other specified feeding or eating disorder

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

Right ear hearing loss · Acquired psychiatric disability (depression) · Erectile dysfunction · Residuals of a head injury · Heat exhaustion · Inguinal hernia · Ventral hernia

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for hypothyroidism is denied, and the Board finds that service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease and bilateral foot condition should be remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

hypothyroidism · lumbar degenerative disc disease (claimed as back condition) · bilateral foot condition

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to errors in the initial decision and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal condition and right shoulder disability.

Gallbladder disease · Irritable bowel syndrome

The Board has granted service connection for ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn's disease with diverticulitis as secondary to the Veteran's previously service-connected ankylosing spondylitis.

ankylosing spondylitis (AS) · Crohn's disease with diverticulitis

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a neck disability due to pre-decisional error in not obtaining a VA examination and medical opinion.

neck disability