The Board granted service connection for emphysema, bilateral skin disability of the feet (dyshidrotic dermatitis/vesicular tinea pedis), and disability manifested by multiple muscle pain and fasciculations. The Board denied compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for cardiac disability and higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, as well as a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The deciding factor: The evidence was approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's claimed conditions began during active service. The Board found that the current disability requirement had been met with respect to multiple muscle pain and fasciculations, even in the absence of a specific diagnosis.

Claimed conditions

emphysema, bilateral skin disability of the feet (dyshidrotic dermatitis/vesicular tinea pedis), disability manifested by multiple muscle pain and fasciculations

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 8, 2025

Citation

25012665

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine