The Board denied service connection for several conditions, including spinal arthritis of the neck and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the neck/upper back. However, tinnitus was granted, and a 20% rating was assigned for left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's claimed conditions began during service or were related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, except for tinnitus which had its onset during active service.

Claimed conditions

spinal arthritis of the neck, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the neck/upper back, hepatitis C, gout, circulatory disability, blood circulation disability, tinnitus, tendonitis/sprain/degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the left ankle, meniscus injury with DJD of the left knee, lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, hearing loss in the right ear, hearing loss in the left ear, GERD

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 26, 2025

Citation

A25102569

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