The Board granted service connection for cervical strain and right lower extremity disability, both secondary to the Veteran's spine disability, but denied service connection for a recurrent earache disability. The rating was increased from 20% to 40% prior to December 27, 2024.
The deciding factor: The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the cervical strain and right lower extremity disability were caused by the Veteran's service-connected spine disability, but there is no persuasive evidence of a recurrent earache disability during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical strain, right lower extremity disability (radicular pain and partial paralysis of the right sciatic nerve), recurrent earache disability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 13, 2025
- Citation
- A25043072
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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