The Board granted service connection for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, claimed as chronic back pain. The claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for tinnitus was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current disability of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is linked to his active service, while there is no evidence linking osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine or tinnitus to his service. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.
- Claimed conditions
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine (claimed as chronic back pain), tinnitus, chronic left foot pain, chronic right foot pain, left leg pain, right leg pain, impaired vision, including myopia, chest pain, dizziness, sleeping disorder, throat pain, severe abdomen pain, chronic digestive system pain, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified and depression), pyria (claimed as dental conditions)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 12, 2022
- Citation
- 22001632
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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