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Denied

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder was not reopened, while the right foot disability claim was reopened. The lumbar spine disability remains at a 20% rating, and the residuals of the right great toe injury remain at a 10% rating.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish new and material evidence to reopen the service connection claim for acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety). For the right foot disability, the evidence was found to be cumulative. The lumbar spine disability and right great toe injuries were rated based on their current manifestations without additional consideration of aggravation.

Claimed conditions
Acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), Right foot disability (claimed as joint pain), Lumbar spine disability, Residuals of a right great toe injury
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
June 24, 2020
Citation
20042695

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 20042695.

What this means for you

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