The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar strain rating was granted at 40 percent prior to February 26, 2018, but not higher. The shin splints of the left leg rating was denied. Other conditions like bilateral hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, scars, and cellulitis also had their claims denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar strain did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or severe intervertebral disc syndrome episodes. The shin splints were rated at the maximum allowable under old criteria prior to February 7, 2021 and new criteria from that date.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, shin splints of the left leg, left hip disorder, bilateral hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right arm, scars of the right elbow, wrist, and finger, cellulitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23013515
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 23013515.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim, specifically needing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner. The Veteran will be asked to provide any missing records and former employers' information.
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