The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for somatic symptom disorder, denied ratings in excess of 20 percent for left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome, granted separate 10 percent ratings for instability in both knees, denied a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis with residuals of septoplasty, denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss but granted service connection for bilateral restless leg syndrome, left Achilles tendonitis with plantar fasciitis, and eczema.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating or service connection. The evidence was at least in equipoise that his bilateral restless leg syndrome, left Achilles tendonitis with plantar fasciitis, and eczema were due to his period of active service.
- Claimed conditions
- somatic symptom disorder, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, allergic rhinitis with residuals of septoplasty, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral restless leg syndrome, left Achilles tendonitis with plantar fasciitis, eczema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25044259
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.
- 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 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).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for somatic symptom disorder, respiratory disorders (including COPD), nephrolithiasis, deviated nasal septum, and higher initial disability ratings for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress and GERD, hiatal hernia, reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, while fibromyalgia, internal or external hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and neuropathy are denied.
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