The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and chronic fatigue syndrome, but granted separate initial 10 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity restless leg syndrome associated with sciatic radiculopathy. The claims for increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy were also denied, as were the claims for higher ratings for knee conditions and IBS.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran did not have a disabling hearing loss or chronic fatigue syndrome, but his symptoms of restless leg syndrome associated with sciatic radiculopathy warranted separate 10 percent ratings. The other claims were denied based on insufficient evidence to support higher ratings.

Claimed conditions

Bilateral hearing loss, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Restless leg syndrome (right and left lower extremities), Patellofemoral pain syndrome (right knee), Patellofemoral pain syndrome (left knee), Dislocated semilunar cartilage (right knee), Dislocated semilunar cartilage (left knee), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 16, 2025

Citation

A25108374

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