Real decisions, in plain English

The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 1, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For TDIU, the Veteran had multiple service-connected disabilities but his education and work experience were sufficient for sedentary or light labor employment.

depression · left shoulder post-traumatic calcific tendonitis · right shoulder degenerative joint disease · right leg muscle herniation · residuals of septoplasty with nasal septal abnormality · cervical spine degenerative disc disease

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims on appeal, including obtaining any outstanding treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's representative also requested reevaluation of his service-connected disabilities.

bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome · acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety disorder) · left shoulder disability status post rotator cuff repair with rotator tendonitis · right shoulder disability status post rotator cuff repair with rotator tendonitis · osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine · essential hypertension · traumatic brain injury · tension headaches · restless leg syndrome of the left lower extremity · restless leg syndrome of the right lower extremity

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.

heart condition · sleep disorder · bilateral hearing loss · PTSD

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of right ear hearing loss, and the case is dismissed.

right ear hearing loss

The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to September 27, 2017. From September 27, 2017, the rating for depression increased to 70 percent.

depression · peptic ulcer disease

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD, is denied as service connection is not warranted due to the condition being solely attributed to smoking.

asthma · chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The Veteran's cause of death was metastatic colon cancer, but the appellant contends it was caused by exposure to ionizing radiation during his service as an X-ray technician. The case is remanded for further development regarding dose estimation and consideration under VA regulations.

metastatic colon cancer

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete examination findings. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records, including from February 2016 to present, and a VA audiology examination will be conducted.

bilateral hearing loss · tinnitus

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability and a bilateral foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

Left ankle arthritis · Bilateral pes planus (flat feet) · Degenerative arthritis in toes

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.

Major depressive disorder

The Board has remanded the claims for a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral hip disorder are related to his service-connected Crohn's disease.

low back disorder · bilateral hip disorder

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete medical records and insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between service, including a stick injury in England, and current left eye disability (including amblyopia and cataracts) as well as migraine headaches.

left eye disability (amblyopia and cataracts) · migraine headaches

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee meniscal tear and denied his request for an increased rating for left knee laxity.

left knee meniscal tear · left knee laxity

The Board has remanded the Veteran's gout claim for additional development, including obtaining an adequate VA examination and ensuring all relevant records are obtained. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

gout

The Veteran's right foot DJD with heel spur is granted a 10 percent disability rating, effective as of the date of this decision.

Right foot DJD with heel spur, status post residuals of fracture of the fifth metatarsal

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.

Hypertension

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a causal relationship between his current condition and his military service.

Cervical spine disorder

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, visual impairment, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claims were not granted.

diabetes mellitus · prostate cancer · visual impairment · hypertension · erectile dysfunction

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and service.

Sleep Apnea

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for additional VA examination. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed again with new evidence.

back disability