The Board granted increased disability ratings for lumbosacral strain, right knee tendonitis, and symptomatic partial removal of the right knee meniscus, but denied increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back symptoms were found to significantly impact his functional ability during flare-ups, warranting a higher rating. However, there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or other severe symptoms that would justify the highest rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, right knee tendonitis, symptomatic partial removal of right knee meniscus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2024
- Citation
- A24069657
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's low back injury occurred during a period of active duty for training (ADT) and continued therefrom.
- 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 tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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