The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, low back disability, RLE radiculopathy, and LLE radiculopathy were denied. The Veteran was granted earlier effective dates for service connection of RLE and LLE radiculopathy, as well as TDIU and SMC based on housebound status. However, the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back disability prior to September 3, 2020, and for RLE and LLE radiculopathy were denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran’s conditions began during service or were otherwise related to his military service. The Board also found no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, which would have warranted higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Low back disability, RLE radiculopathy, LLE radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20074037
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
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- Denied
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- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a low back disability, residuals of a right foot injury, sinusitis, shortness of breath, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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