Real decisions, in plain English

The Board denied service connection for diverticulitis, residuals of colon surgery, hemorrhoids, and an eye disability, concluding these conditions were not related to the veteran's service or exposure during Project SHAD.

diverticulitis · residuals of colon surgery · hemorrhoids · eye disability

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder, requiring additional medical opinions and records.

low back disorder

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for their low back condition from March 19, 2021 onwards was denied. The Board remanded the claims for a higher rating and TDIU prior to March 19, 2021 for further development.

spondylolisthesis with degenerative arthritis of the spine · degenerative disc disease · intervertebral disc syndrome

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The decision is based on a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors.

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The appeal for a higher rating of persistent depressive disorder is remanded to obtain additional medical records and a new examination.

persistent depressive disorder

The Board denied the claim for compensation benefits for left phrenic nerve paralysis and sleep apnea due to September 2014 cardiac surgery, finding that the additional disability was not due to VA's fault or an unforeseeable event.

left phrenic nerve paralysis · sleep apnea

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea were denied. The claim for an increased rating for the left knee was also denied, but the veteran was granted SMC based on aid and attendance.

hypertension · obstructive sleep apnea · left knee

The Board remanded the veteran's appeal for a new VA examination to properly assess the functional impairment of her left knee during flare-ups.

service-connected status post left knee lateral plica · service-connected left knee instability

The veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for right knee conditions was partially granted. The veteran is entitled to a 40 percent rating for right knee limitation of extension since April 18, 2024, and a 10 percent rating for right knee instability. Other claims were denied.

right knee limitation of flexion · right knee limitation of extension · right knee ankylosis · right knee instability · right knee meniscal symptoms

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for a retrospective opinion on the severity of their PTSD. The veteran does not need to attend the examination.

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual employability (TDIU) prior to August 13, 2009, has been remanded. The Board will reconsider this claim after further development.

The Board remanded the claim to obtain a VA medical opinion that fully complies with previous directives, specifically addressing whether the Veteran's functional loss is consistent with ankylosis or its functional equivalent.

chronic back pain · Scheuermann's Disease

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for left hip strain with limitation of extension was denied. The claims for ratings related to left hip strain with limitation of flexion, thigh impairment, and lumbar spine condition were remanded for further evaluation.

left hip strain with limitation of extension · left hip strain with limitation of flexion · left hip strain with thigh impairment · lumbar spine condition

The Board denied an increased rating for sarcoidosis but remanded the decision on TDIU based on a single service-connected disability.

sarcoidosis

The Board granted service connection for COPD, finding that the Veteran's condition is related to his military service.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The Board granted service connection for the cause of death, finding that the Veteran's service-connected pleural asbestosis materially contributed to his metastatic lung carcinoma.

respiratory failure · metastatic lung carcinoma · metastatic mediastinum · primary melanoma

The Board remanded the claim for service connection of coronary artery disease (CAD) to obtain outstanding private treatment records and schedule a VA examination.

coronary artery disease (CAD) · ischemic heart disease (IHD) · diabetes mellitus, type 2, (DM2)

The appeal was dismissed because the veteran died while it was pending. The dismissal does not affect the right of an eligible person to take the veteran's place to continue the appeal on the pending claims.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of prostate cancer, colon cancer, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as special monthly compensation. The decision was based on new evidence and the need for further development.

prostate cancer · colon cancer · traumatic brain injury (TBI) · special monthly compensation (SMC)

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU due to inadequate examinations and statements of reasons.

left shoulder disability