The Board granted earlier effective dates of service connection for PTSD and erectile dysfunction, dismissed the claim for dyshidrotic eczema and tinea pedis, and granted service connection for various other conditions including lumbar degenerative arthritis with IVDS, right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, right and left knee degenerative arthritis, chronic rhinitis, tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The deciding factor: The probative evidence persuasively favored finding that the Veteran's back manifestations began during and have continued since service, were at least as likely as not caused by service, and that his lower extremity radiculopathies, knee degenerative arthritis, rhinitis, tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, and obstructive sleep apnea had their onset during or are etiologically related to service.

Claimed conditions

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Erectile dysfunction, Dyshidrotic eczema and tinea pedis, Lumbar degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, Left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, Right knee degenerative arthritis, Left knee degenerative arthritis, Chronic rhinitis, Tinnitus, Bilateral pes planus, Insomnia, Diabetes mellitus associated with obesity (dismissed), Right ankle condition (manifested by pain with functional loss that can affect earning capacity), Left ankle condition (manifested by pain with functional loss that can affect earning capacity), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 4, 2025

Citation

25013674

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