Real decisions, in plain English

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for recognition of his parents as dependent parents due to insufficient income and lack of evidence showing they were financially dependent on him.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disorder is related to his parachute jumps during service.

right knee disorder

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and a separate rating for chronic pulmonary embolism due to inadequate VA examinations.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) · Chronic Pulmonary Embolism

The appeal to revise the effective date for a 50% disability rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is dismissed because the July 2024 proposed rating decision was not an appealable determination.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB)

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for prostatectomy scars was denied as the evidence did not show that his scars met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 1, 2024, for the establishment of service connection for residuals of prostate cancer was also denied because he did not file a formal or informal service connection claim before that date.

prostate cancer · prostatectomy scars

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected left shoulder tendonitis, right shoulder tendonitis, left knee tendonitis, and right elbow tendinitis (impairment of supination and pronation) have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service-connected right elbow tendinitis (limitation of flexion) has also been denied.

left shoulder tendonitis · right shoulder tendonitis · left knee tendonitis · right knee tendonitis · right elbow tendinitis (impairment of supination and pronation) · right elbow tendinitis (limitation of flexion)

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease, including secondary to a service-connected left knee disability, is granted. The condition was not related to military service and no aggravation by the service-connected left knee disability could be established.

right knee degenerative joint disease

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

Bilateral Hearing Loss

The Board has decided that the appellant is not eligible for agent fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the May 2024 rating decision. The appeal is remanded to clarify the amount of past-due benefits and notify both parties.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is found to be related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and service connection for this condition is granted.

prostate cancer

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for right knee disorder and left knee disorder due to insufficient medical opinions.

Radiculopathy left lower extremity, sciatica · Radiculopathy right lower extremity, sciatica

The Veteran's schizophrenia is rated at 70 percent, indicating significant impairment in work and social functioning.

schizophrenia

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of GERD is denied as no claim was received within one year after separation from active service.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

The appeal regarding apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits to the Appellant on behalf of their minor child has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The AOJ will now consider the merits of the claim.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease is rated at 100% effective October 25, 2024. His prostate cancer residuals are rated at 60% effective October 25, 2024.

Arteriosclerotic heart disease · Prostate cancer

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's celiac disease is related to his service, specifically his TERA exposure.

celiac disease

The Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress and service connection for ulcerative colitis are being remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant medical records.

persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress · ulcerative colitis

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of SMC based on aid and attendance.

PTSD · sleep apnea · headaches · strain with history of scoliosis, thoracolumbar spine · sciatic neuropathy, right lower extremity · strain, right shoulder · tinnitus · allergic rhinitis

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of right leg shin splints during a hearing before the Board. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

right leg shin splints