The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for scars resulting from multiple contusions and lacerations, other than those affecting his left knee. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was also denied. However, a separate rating of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as of July 13, 2015, was granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not find any correlation between the Veteran's bilateral foot scars and his military service, leading to denial of service connection. The Board also found no evidence supporting a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine or radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as of July 13, 2015.
- Claimed conditions
- scars resulting from multiple contusions and lacerations, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, rhabdomyosarcoma (implied by context)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20069331
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, left shoulder, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The appeal was also granted to reopen a claim for service connection for bilateral hip disability.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, hypertension, and migraine headaches to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all appeals in the 220823-484193 docket prior to the Board's consideration.
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