The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction, but granted an increased rating of 40 percent for a low back disability (intervertebral disc syndrome) and 20 percent for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a nexus between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his active-duty service or warrant higher ratings, except for moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in both legs which justified increased ratings to 20 percent each. The low back disability was found to limit forward flexion to 30 degrees, justifying an increase to 40 percent.

Claimed conditions

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Erectile Dysfunction, Sinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis, Low Back Disability (Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) to include lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis), Inguinal Hernia, Nephrolithiasis with Renal Dysfunction, Right Knee Osteoarthritis, Left Knee Strain, Right Knee Limitation of Extension, Left Knee Limitation of Extension, Right Ankle Strain, Left Ankle Strain

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 16, 2025

Citation

A25108241

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