The Board denied service connection for COPD, bilateral hearing loss, OSA, atrial fibrillation, and tinnitus. The Board also denied increased ratings for lumbar strain with lumbar spondylosis, left lower extremity (LLE) radiculopathy, right lower extremity (RLE) radiculopathy, and hypertension.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record did not persuasively support the claims as there was no current diagnosis for COPD or hearing loss, and OSA began after service with no link to an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's lumbar strain, LLE radiculopathy, RLE radiculopathy, and hypertension were also found not to be more nearly manifested by the criteria required for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Bilateral hearing loss, Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Atrial fibrillation, Tinnitus, Lumbar strain with lumbar spondylosis, Left lower extremity (LLE) radiculopathy, Right lower extremity (RLE) radiculopathy, Hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25019115
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