The Board granted a 20 percent initial rating for bilateral dry eye syndrome and service connection for left knee strain, but denied other claims including increased ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, incomplete right bundle branch block (claimed as cardiac arrhythmia), degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with IVDS, scarring of the left inguinal area, status post varicocele surgery, and service connection for left shoulder strain and restless leg syndrome.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy did not more closely approximate symptoms productive of moderate incomplete nerve paralysis; his bilateral hearing loss was manifested by hearing acuity no worse than Level I in both ears; he experienced bilateral dry eye syndrome with intermittent blurred vision; his service-connected incomplete right bundle branch block (claimed as cardiac arrhythmia) did not require continuous medication for treatment, and there were no findings of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS; the Veteran's back disability was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS; his scarring of the left inguinal area did not involve any disabling effects; his diagnosed left knee strain is shown to be causally linked to his service-connected spine and right hip symptomatology, but his left shoulder strain and restless leg syndrome are not related to active duty military service.

Claimed conditions

right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral dry eye syndrome, incomplete right bundle branch block (claimed as cardiac arrhythmia), degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine, with intervertebral disc disease syndrome (IVDS), scarring of the left inguinal area, status post varicocele surgery, left knee strain, left shoulder strain, restless leg syndrome

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

December 18, 2025

Citation

A25109468

This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A25109468.