The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral plantar fasciitis, cyst of right side of neck with residual scar, disfigurement, to include scar on forehead, and cyst of right side of neck with residual scar, painful, as well as tinnitus were denied. However, an effective date of March 16, 2018 was granted for the award of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's conditions warranted higher ratings under the applicable criteria, as he had already been assigned the maximum schedular rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis and the other conditions did not meet the necessary criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral plantar fasciitis, cyst of right side of neck with residual scar, disfigurement, to include scar on forehead, cyst of right side of neck with residual scar, painful, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 1, 2025
- Citation
- A25040192
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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