The Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and denied the claims for a urinary disability, an earlier effective date for erectile dysfunction, and compensable ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae, right ankle scars, and other conditions. The cervical spine and GERD with gastritis claims were remanded.

The deciding factor: The evidence was in approximate equipoise as to whether the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus increased in disability during service, and such increase cannot be shown to be clearly and unmistakably due to the natural progression of the disease. The evidence did not support a finding that a urinary disability existed or that a current urinary disability was present.

Claimed conditions

bilateral pes planus, urinary disability, erectile dysfunction, cervical spine disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with gastritis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right ankle scars

How they argued it

Presumptive (no nexus needed)

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

0%

Decision date

October 29, 2025

Citation

A25093613

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine