Real decisions, in plain English

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma, hypertension with residuals including stroke, DM II, bilateral amputation of all toes, and diabetic neuropathy to obtain VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.,The Board also remanded the claim for ED as it is inextricably intertwined with the DM II claim.

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy · peripheral vascular disease (PVD) · asthma · hypertension with residuals including stroke · diabetes mellitus, type 2 (DM II) · amputation of all toes, left foot · amputation of all toes, right foot · diabetic neuropathy, left lower extremity · diabetic neuropathy, right lower extremity · diabetic neuropathy, left upper extremity · diabetic neuropathy, right upper extremity · diabetic retinopathy · erectile dysfunction (ED)

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes type II as secondary to a service-connected disability and an initial 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder, subject to the regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.

diabetes type II · posttraumatic stress disorder

The Veteran's CAD warrants a 60 percent rating, but the Board has determined that an earlier effective date is warranted due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding direct service connection.

CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) · Hypertensive Heart Disease · Stable Angina

The Board has restored the Veteran's 100% rating for depressive disorder, effective August 1, 2020, as the reduction was improper and did not comply with applicable regulations.

depressive disorder

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in notifying the appellant of his right to a hearing, and the AOJ is instructed to provide such notice before readjudicating the claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, and low back pain due to potential errors in duty to assist. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicide agents and obtain private treatment records.

heart disease · hypertension · kidney disease · low back pain

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, as well as sleep apnea secondary to a psychiatric disorder are being remanded. The initial rating claim for asthma remains denied, while the MGUS claim is also denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, will be considered based on toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune.

Asthma · Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of clear opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to noise exposure during service and had a delayed onset.

bilateral hearing loss

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is granted. The appeal of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is dismissed, as the claim was previously adjudicated and granted in a prior decision. The left knee Baker's cyst issue remains pending and requires further action.

nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) · obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

The Board has dismissed the appeals for payment or reimbursement of non-VA medical expenses and ambulance services due to approval of these claims by VA.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with unspecified depressive disorder

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to provide proper notice of the right to a hearing before the AOJ.

tinnitus · bilateral hearing loss

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not establish that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

sleep apnea · irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) · tinnitus · chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that new and relevant evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service traumatic events.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have left lower extremity radiculopathy or any related symptoms causing impairment in earning capacity during the appeal period, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

left lower extremity radiculopathy

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's migraines, effective April 30, 2026. The decision found that the Veteran's migraine headaches caused characteristic very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

migraines

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected left knee disability have been denied. He was awarded 20 percent for strain, meniscal tear, arthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and chondromalacia patella with instability; 10 percent for arthritis with limited flexion; and no rating for arthritis with limitation of extension.

Left Knee Strain · Left Knee Arthritis

The Board has granted service connection for left hip instability, right hip instability, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

Left Hip Instability · Right Hip Instability · Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome · Right Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinomas of the head and face, status post excision, residual scars are not manifested by at least one characteristic of disfigurement.

Squamous cell carcinoma · Basal cell carcinomas · Seborrheic keratoses

Your appeal for an increased rating for right shoulder tendinopathy, currently rated at 30 percent, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on this claim as it is no longer pending.

right shoulder tendinopathy