The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with effective dates of May 21, 2018. The issues involving the radiculopathies are part and parcel of the claim for an increased rating for the lumbar spine disability.
The deciding factor: New evidence was received that relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claims of service connection for bilateral ankle disabilities, GERD, right knee osteoarthritis status post meniscus surgery, and post-operative arthroscopic scars from meniscus surgery.
- Claimed conditions
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Right Ankle Disability, Left Ankle Disability, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), Right Knee Osteoarthritis Status Post Meniscus Surgery, Post-Operative Arthroscopic Scars from Meniscus Surgery
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20072374
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 various disabilities and denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, but denied service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, intestinal condition (chronic colitis), and chronic migraine disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
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.