The Board denied service connection for left ankle, right ankle, and right hip disabilities, as well as an earlier effective date for the 20 percent rating assigned for the Veteran's low back disability. However, it granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits, both effective August 22, 2019.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show current disabilities for the left ankle, right ankle, and right hip. The higher rating for the low back disability was correctly assigned as of August 22, 2019, based on an intent to file received that date.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle disability, right ankle disability, right hip disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2025
- Citation
- A25042836
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities to the AOJ for further development and consideration of evidence not previously considered.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for right knee, right hip, and lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability but denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for his left knee disability prior to April 25, 2019.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a right hip disability, and granted a 30 percent rating for ureterolithiasis. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, while other claims were remanded.
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