The Veteran's residuals of right wrist ganglion cyst were granted service connection as it was caused by an in-service right wrist ganglion cyst.,Service connection for a right ankle disability was denied due to the periodic flare ups not being causally related to active duty service.,Service connection for hemorrhoids was denied as there is no current evidence of a disability or impairment associated with them.,The left elbow condition was denied as it did not onset during his active duty service and there were no symptoms reported after separation.,Bilateral hearing loss was denied due to the absence of a current diagnosis meeting VA criteria for a disability.,Service connection for a scar from left inguinal hernia repair was denied as there is no evidence of such a condition.,Right foot condition, including plantar fasciitis, was remanded as further examination and opinion are needed.,Cervical spine condition and high blood pressure were also remanded due to the need for additional medical evaluation.

The deciding factor: The VA medical opinion concluded that the Veteran's current right wrist pain is at least as likely as not caused by his in-service right wrist ganglion cyst.,The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's periodic right ankle flare ups were less likely than not due to active duty service, given no other complaints or treatments until many years later.,VA treatment records do not mention any complaint, diagnosis, or treatment for hemorrhoids. The Veteran has provided no lay evidence supporting this claim.,The VA examiner opined that the left elbow condition was less likely than not caused by his in-service injuries as there is no evidence of a chronic, recurring problem after 1981 and an extended period between evaluations.,VA audiometric findings do not meet the threshold requirements for hearing loss disability under VA regulations. The Veteran does not have current hearing loss disability in either ear.,The VA examination did not include a medical opinion concerning the Veteran's plantar fasciitis, which is needed to determine if it is related to service.,VA MRI of the cervical spine showed disc bulges and bilateral foraminal attenuation from C3/C4 through C6/C7. The Veteran also reported arthritis/rheumatism/bursitis in his separation examination.,The VA examiner did not provide a medical opinion regarding high blood pressure, which is needed to determine if it is related to service.

Claimed conditions

residuals of right wrist ganglion cyst, a right ankle disability, hemorrhoids, a left elbow condition, bilateral hearing loss, scar from left inguinal hernia repair, right foot condition, to include plantar fasciitis, cervical spine condition, high blood pressure

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 15, 2024

Citation

24008006

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 24008006.