The Board granted service connection for thoracic scoliosis and denied the claims for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral restless leg syndrome, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left index finger with limitation of motion and lacerated digital nerve, an initial compensable rating for left index finger scar, a separate rating for painful scar of the left index finger, evaluated as 10 percent disabling as of August 26, 2015, and an initial compensable rating prior to March 12, 2020, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for dermatitis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's thoracic scoliosis increased in severity beyond natural progression during his military service. However, there was no evidence of a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or restless leg syndrome, and the criteria for higher ratings were not met for the other conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracic scoliosis, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral restless leg syndrome, left index finger with limitation of motion and lacerated digital nerve, left index finger scar, dermatitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 25, 2024
- Citation
- 24033417
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.
- 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 multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Partly granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, while fibromyalgia, internal or external hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and neuropathy are denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding it at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.
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