Service connection for a neck disability is granted. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective March 9, 2019. The issues of service connection for right and left knee disabilities and increased rating for left foot pes planus with heel spur are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current neck disability had its onset during his active duty service and was related to in-service injuries. His right and left knee disabilities were also linked to in-service events, such as a fall from a ladder and running with heavy backpacks. The left foot pes planus with heel spur is rated 20 percent disabling.
- Claimed conditions
- neck disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, left foot pes planus with heel spur
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20067568
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities to the AOJ for further development and consideration of evidence not previously considered.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for right knee, right hip, and lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability but denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for his left knee disability prior to April 25, 2019.
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