The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, including as due to service-connected left ankle arthritis. The claims for right ankle disability, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, skin disability of the back of the head and feet, gastrointestinal disability, to include gastritis, and residuals of a left buttock strain were denied on the merits.
The deciding factor: No new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, including as due to service-connected left ankle arthritis. The Veteran did not experience any current right ankle disability, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, skin disability of the back of the head and feet, gastrointestinal disability, to include gastritis, or residuals of a left buttock strain which could be attributed to active service.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, right ankle disability, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, skin disability of the back of the head and feet, gastrointestinal disability, to include gastritis, residuals of a left buttock strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2015
- Citation
- 1501986
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1501986.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received, and a need for additional medical opinions considering the Veteran's military occupation as a water safety survival instructor.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for effective dates and initial ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his representative.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for his feet and knees, as well as a new rating for his right hip disability. The SMC claim is also being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
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