The Board denied increased ratings for several conditions but granted initial 20% evaluations for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies, femoral nerve, from October 31, 2019, to October 5, 2022, and granted a TDIU.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable rating codes.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus, lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and spinal fusion, left lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, left knee ligament/muscle strain, right knee ligament/muscle strain, left ankle strain, right ankle strain, tinnitus, left hand laceration scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2025
- Citation
- A25025804
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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 claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- 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).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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