The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, recurrent right and left shoulder rotator cuff tear residuals, right and left total knee replacement residuals, and right and left foot plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
The deciding factor: The record is at least in equipoise as to whether the diagnosed conditions originated during active service. The Veteran was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam and engaged in combat. He performed in-service parachute jumps and was awarded the Parachutist Badge. Upon application of the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1154(b) and resolution of all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, service connection is warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, recurrent right shoulder rotator cuff tear residuals, recurrent left shoulder rotator cuff tear residuals, right total knee replacement residuals, left total knee replacement residuals, right foot plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, left foot plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 29, 2025
- Citation
- A25110688
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