The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted sufficient to reopen the claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back, neck, bilateral knee, bilateral foot, left shoulder disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder (schizophrenia). Service connection is granted for these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder had its onset during active service and the evidence supports this conclusion based on his wife's testimony and Dr. Q.A.'s evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Lower Back Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Neck Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right Knee Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Left Knee Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right Foot Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Left Foot Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Left Shoulder Disability"}, {"condition_name":"CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)"}, {"condition_name":"Sleep-Related Disorder"}, {"condition_name":"Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)"}
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20006106
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for sarcoidosis as new and relevant evidence has been received since the previous denial.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a left-hand condition is dismissed as the Veteran was granted service connection for mononeuropathy to the left hand fourth finger with parasthesia of skin in an October 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding their etiology.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.