The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The rating in excess of 10 percent for back strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and hemorrhoids are not supported by the evidence. The claim for major depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 50 percent, which is the highest under the applicable criteria. Service connection for erectile dysfunction was also denied.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors specified in the relevant diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Back strain, Bilateral plantar fasciitis, Hemorrhoids, Major depressive disorder with anxious distress, Erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 13, 2024
- Citation
- A24083458
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 A24083458.
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.
- Partly granted
The veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder, effective January 20, 2018, and the claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis was denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress, alcohol use disorder, tension headaches, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and erectile dysfunction, all of which are found to be related to the Veteran's military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and tinnitus.
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.