Real decisions, in plain English

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was received on December 1, 2013. The effective date of the award is set at December 1, 2013 due to the fact that it is the earliest possible date based on the law and regulations in effect at the time.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the higher 100 percent evaluation of PTSD, including based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE), is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to June 16, 2023. Effective from June 16, 2023, the rating for PTSD has been increased to 70%. The effective date of this increase is now set as June 6, 2023.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not worsen to the extent that she was precluded from performing her job duties, and her occupation for which she was previously rehabilitated is still suitable.

surgical scars from an in-service breast reduction · thoracolumbar strain of the upper and lower back

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an error in providing notice of a pre-decisional hearing. The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis A will be reconsidered by the AOJ with instructions to provide such notice.

Hepatitis A

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder alone warrants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and he has additional service-connected disabilities rated at least 60 percent. The Board grants special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate.

unspecified anxiety disorder

The Veteran's claim for travel reimbursement of ambulance transportation provided on December 11, 2020, was denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 13, 2020 for the service connection of low back disability and related radiculopathy issues. The Veteran's claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted in January 2020.

lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease · degenerative arthritis · intervertebral disc disease · spinal stenosis and disc bulge L4-L5 (low back disability) · degenerative arthritis of right hip, limited flexion · degenerative arthritis of right hip, limited abduction · degenerative arthritis of right hip, limited extension

The Veteran's chronic headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The left and right knee disabilities, sinusitis, tinea pedis, and sleep apnea are denied.

Allergic Rhinitis · Chronic Headaches · Left Knee Disability · Right Knee Disability · Sinusitis · Tinea Pedis · Sleep Apnea

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD and a chronic cough are being remanded due to an error in providing notice of the right to a hearing before the RO.

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) · chronic cough

The Board has granted an effective date of June 8, 2022 for the award of service connection for a skin disability (dermatitis). This decision is based on the receipt of an intent to file dated June 8, 2022.

skin condition · dermatitis

The Board has vacated the February 2026 decision due to a scrivener's error regarding an effective date for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating than 70 percent for PTSD is denied.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable evaluation for tinea pedis/cruris, resulting in the dismissal of this claim.

tinea pedis/cruris

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the December 2018 rating decision that granted service connection for right and left hip strains, resulting in a reduction to noncompensable ratings effective June 27, 2018.

Right Hip Strain · Left Hip Strain

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected due to noise exposure during military service.

tinnitus

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial compensable rating for right side atypical benign thyroid nodule.

right side atypical benign thyroid nodule

The Board has found new and relevant evidence to readjudicate the claim for service connection for a headache disability. The case is being remanded for further review.

Headache

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between current hearing loss and in-service noise exposure.

bilateral hearing loss

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and lower extremity disorders, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

lumbar spine disorder · penile disorder · right hip disorder · left hip disorder · right lower extremity disorder