Real decisions, in plain English

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to February 5, 2024, for a 10 percent evaluation of allergic rhinitis was denied. The Veteran also appealed for a higher rating for his allergic rhinitis and this was denied as well.,The Veteran's PTSD with TBI claim is remanded due to inadequate medical examinations.

Allergic rhinitis · Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with traumatic brain injury (TBI)

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and thoracolumbar disorder (DDD of the thoracic and lumbar spine) have been granted. The decision also dismisses his claim for a compensable rating for left shoulder injury with pain.

bilateral hearing loss · tinnitus · thoracolumbar disorder (DDD of thoracic and lumbar spine)

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinsonism, finding that the Veteran's condition is related to his military service. The decision resolves all doubts in favor of the claim.

Parkinsonism

The Board has granted a 20% rating for diabetes mellitus type II from June 20, 2020. The right ankle scar claim is remanded due to the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled examination. The GERD secondary to diabetes mellitus claim and TDIU issue are also remanded.

diabetes mellitus type II · right ankle scar · gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

The Board has determined that the Veteran's persistent depressive disorder, moderate with anxious distress and panic attacks is related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

persistent depressive disorder · anxious distress · panic attacks

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, but the RO needs to confirm if he was exposed to herbicide agents during his time aboard the USS Constellation.

prostate cancer

The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits is remanded due to the AOJ's failure to address whether it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the program. The Board finds that the Veteran has been in need of personal care services for at least six continuous months based on an inability to perform the ADL of bathing.

bilateral lower extremity venous insufficiency · right knee joint infection on chronic Doxycycline · glaucoma · generalized anxiety disorder/major depressive disorder · anemia · congestive heart failure · non-obstructive coronary artery disease · obstructive sleep apnea

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disorder, and skin disorder (claimed as neurodermatitis) due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to undergo additional VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

bilateral hearing loss · left ankle disorder · skin disorder (claimed as neurodermatitis)

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for gout and bilateral foot conditions due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's representative requested an informal conference, but it did not take place before the April 2021 rating decision was issued.

gout · bilateral foot conditions to include pes planus, plantar fasciitis and right great toe pain

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's lung cancer and its relationship to service, including any in-service granuloma.

lung cancer · lung granulomas

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for loss of teeth (previously evaluated as maxilla injury residuals, status post dental trauma) is denied. The Board finds that the assigned noncompensable rating is the most appropriate rating due to the Veteran's service-connected condition being less than 25 percent and replaceable by prosthesis. The claim for TDIU is remanded.

loss of teeth (previously evaluated as maxilla injury residuals, status post dental trauma)

The Veteran's asthma requires intermittent inhalational use, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD and insomnia do not meet the criteria for a 70% rating. Service connection for PLMD, UARS, and a skin disability is remanded due to unclear medical opinions.

Asthma · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) · Insomnia · Organic Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) · Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) · Skin Disability, to include pruritus

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to obtain a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's cervical disability. The claim will be reconsidered with this information.

Cervical disability

The Veteran's respiratory condition, headaches, and cardiovascular condition are granted as service-connected due to in-service exposure to contaminated water and other toxins.,The Veteran's left arm, knee, hip, wrist, and low back conditions are also granted as service-connected due to an in-service RTV accident.

Respiratory condition (difficulty breathing) · Headaches · Cardiovascular condition · Left arm condition · Left knee condition · Right knee condition · Left hip condition · Right hip condition · Left wrist condition · Low back condition

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ must obtain VA outpatient records from Viera, Florida and private medical records from Dr. Gayden.

bilateral hearing loss · tinnitus

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including unspecified depressive disorder and anxiety, is granted as service connection due to the onset of symptoms during active duty.

unspecified depressive disorder (including anxiety and depression)

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an examination, as there are outstanding VA treatment records and a need for clarification of the Veteran's service connection claim.

lower lumbar disability

This decision grants service connection for erectile dysfunction and assigns a noncompensable rating, effective November 6, 2020. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted as service-connected, also effective November 6, 2020. An effective date prior to November 6, 2020, is denied for the award of service connection for GERD and right lower extremity radiculopathy.,An effective date prior to November 6, 2020, is denied for the award of service connection for GERD and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

erectile dysfunction · adjustment disorder with depressed mood · recurrent esophageal disability to include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) · right lower extremity radiculopathy