The Board denied service connection for acne, bilateral pes planus, unsatisfactory restoration of tooth and malocclusion, unspecified, a reproductive disability resulting from antenna radiation exposure leading to a child born with a birth defect, eczema, hemorrhoids, athlete's foot, an acquired psychiatric condition, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, low back strain, sleep apnea as secondary to a low back condition, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to an acquired psychiatric condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record does not support the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of aggravation beyond natural progression or a direct link to his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- acne, bilateral pes planus, unsatisfactory restoration of tooth and malocclusion, unspecified, reproductive disability resulting from antenna radiation exposure leading to a child born with a birth defect, eczema, hemorrhoids, athlete's foot, acquired psychiatric condition, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, low back strain, sleep apnea as secondary to a low back condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to an acquired psychiatric condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2025
- Citation
- A25024507
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted a separate rating of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis effective February 1, 2023.
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.