The Board granted service connection for heat stroke and increased the disability rating to 20 percent for both lower extremity radiculopathies, while denying a higher rating for cervical strain. The claims for higher ratings for knee disabilities were remanded.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's opinion supported the conclusion that the Veteran's heat stroke was incurred in and related to his active service, leading to the grant of service connection. For the lower extremity radiculopathies, the evidence showed moderate incomplete paralysis, warranting a 20 percent rating. The cervical strain did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- heat stroke, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, cervical strain, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (left knee disability), right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (right knee disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25034955
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, but remanded claims for service connection for sinusitis, calcified lymph nodes on the lungs, and cervical strain.
- Dismissed
The appeals for restoration of ratings and for a higher disability rating were dismissed as the April 2025 rating decision did not make final decisions on these issues.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for cervical strain, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The claim for an earlier effective date for a left shoulder disability was dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left hip condition, right hip condition, cervical strain, and back condition due to an incomplete duty to assist error in failing to afford the Veteran VA examinations.
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