The Board denied higher ratings for the Veteran's knee, cervical spine, upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbosacral strain, and left ankle disabilities but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable criteria due to limited range of motion and lack of additional functional loss beyond pain, even considering flare-ups. The Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee strain, right knee strain, cervical strain, radiculopathy left upper extremity, lumbosacral strain, left ankle disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2025
- Citation
- A25044902
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, right wrist strain, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD rating was remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's low back injury occurred during a period of active duty for training (ADT) and continued therefrom.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is remanded to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including the failure to obtain relevant treatment records and provide adequate VA examinations.
- 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).
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