The Board granted service connection for a low back disability and several related conditions, including radiculopathy of the lower extremities, neck disability, arm radiculopathy, headaches, left foot pes planus and plantar fasciitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and obstructive sleep apnea. The claim for higher ratings for depressive disorder and ankle strains was denied.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran experienced continuity of symptomatology since service related to his low back disability, which supported direct service connection. Additionally, secondary service connections were granted based on the medical evidence linking these conditions to the low back disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, Neck disability, Left arm radiculopathy, Right arm radiculopathy, Headaches, Left foot pes planus and plantar fasciitis, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Obstructive sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 5, 2025
- Citation
- A25049962
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a low back disability, residuals of a right foot injury, sinusitis, shortness of breath, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, right inguinal hernia, non allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while granting service connection for left knee strain and left leg shin splints.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a low back disability and arthritis, to include bilateral hips and knees, due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disability, headaches, a back disability, heart disability, and residuals of a stroke, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active service or caused by his service-connected left ear disabilities.
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