The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings for various service-connected conditions, including lumbar strain, plantar fasciitis, pes cavus, tinea versicolor, right shoulder strain, and tinnitus.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show an ascertainable increase in disability sufficient to warrant a higher rating or an earlier effective date within the one-year look back period prior to receipt of the claims.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral pes cavus, tinea versicolor anterior and posterior thorax and bilateral shoulders; tinea pedis bilateral feet, onychomycosis bilateral feet, nevus left lateral foot, right shoulder strain, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2025
- Citation
- A25026334
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 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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