The Board granted service connection for dextroconvex curvature and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, as well as bilateral foot/toe pain secondary to service-connected gout. However, it denied higher initial ratings for left and right knee gout.
The deciding factor: The evidence was approximately evenly balanced regarding the onset of the Veteran's back disability during active service, but a reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran warranted granting service connection. The Veteran's foot/toe pain is caused by his service-connected gout, thus supporting service connection on a secondary basis.
- Claimed conditions
- dextroconvex curvature and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, bilateral foot/toe pain, secondary to service-connected gout
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25106589
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