The Board granted service connection for a lumbosacral strain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, and for chronic headaches. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, a disorder associated with interpersonally aggressive behavior such as intermittent explosive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an increased rating for unspecified anxiety disorder, and an increased rating for the right ankle disability were denied.

The deciding factor: The Board found that there was sufficient evidence to support a grant of service connection for lumbosacral strain and chronic headaches based on their relationship with the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability. However, the evidence did not meet the necessary criteria for granting service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a disorder associated with interpersonally aggressive behavior such as intermittent explosive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an increased rating for unspecified anxiety disorder, and an increased rating for the right ankle disability.

Claimed conditions

lumbosacral strain, bilateral hearing loss, chronic headaches, allergic rhinitis

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 5, 2025

Citation

A25096456

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