The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral flat feet, calcaneal spurs, lumbar spondylolysis L5 with spondylolisthesis, rheumatoid arthritis (indicated by radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities), tinnitus, and hiatal hernia, render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as of January 11, 2023. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have progressively worsened over time, making it impossible for him to perform his job as a letter carrier due to back pain and other symptoms related to his foot and lower extremity conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral flat feet, calcaneal spurs, lumbar spondylolysis L5 with spondylolisthesis, L5-S1, rheumatoid arthritis (indicated by radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity), tinnitus, hiatal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- February 20, 2024
- Citation
- 24008353
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 24008353.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.