The Board granted service connection for a left foot disability (other than callosities) and a right hip disability, as well as increased ratings for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disability prior to July 6, 2020, lumbar spine disability, right knee instability prior to October 2, 2019, and left knee instability. However, it denied increased ratings for the bilateral foot disability since July 26, 2020, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and right knee instability since October 2, 2019.

The deciding factor: The Board granted service connection based on a positive nexus opinion from a VA examiner and found that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated the criteria for higher ratings. However, some claims were denied due to insufficient evidence of severity or impact on daily functioning.

Claimed conditions

Left foot disability (other than callosities), Right hip disability, Acquired psychiatric disorder, Bilateral foot disability (callosities secondary to bilateral ankle equinus and anterior cavus deformity with forefoot valgus and plantar flexion of the first metatarsals), Lumbar spine disability, Right knee arthritis, Left knee arthritis, Right knee instability, Left knee instability

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 30, 2025

Citation

25013482

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