The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is rated at 20 percent, effective August 11, 2014. His right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted initial 20 percent ratings, effective August 11, 2014 and April 29, 2019 respectively. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective November 15, 2012. His right foot fibromatosis and left foot fibromatosis are granted service connection. His bilateral hip strains are secondary to his knee and ankle disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine strain does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not been shown to result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, nor has there been any evidence of ankylosis. His right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated based on their associated impairment of function.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spine Strain, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Right Ankle Strain, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Depression, Anxiety, and Alcohol Dependence, Allergic Rhinitis, Tinea Versicolor, Right Hallux Valgus with Metatarsal Primus Varus with Bunions, Left Hallux Valgus with Metatarsal Primus Varus with Bunions, Right Hammertoe Third Toe, Left Hammertoe Third Toe, Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, Bilateral Heel Spurs, and Degenerative Arthritis, Right Hip Strain, Left Hip Strain, Left Wrist Disability and Osteopenia, Bilateral Hearing Loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22012095
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 22012095.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The issue remains under direct service connection theory.
- Denied
The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 30 percent, the highest non-compensable rating available. The Board found that his hearing loss did not warrant a higher rating based on VA examinations and medical records.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his active service. The Board noted that while he had complaints of earaches in service, these did not indicate a current disability.
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