The veteran's service connection for several conditions, including left and right knee disabilities, left ankle disability, left foot disability, posttraumatic headaches, TBI, and dental issues, was granted. However, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and higher ratings for other conditions were denied.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's current disabilities are directly related to his active service based on the evidence provided.

Claimed conditions

left knee strain, instability, and patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee strain, instability, and patellofemoral pain syndrome, left ankle deltoid ligament sprain, left foot plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spur, posttraumatic headaches, traumatic brain injury (TBI), #8 tooth fracture, bilateral hearing loss disability, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative disc disease and lumbosacral strain, lumbar radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, left, lumbar radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, right, lumbar radiculopathy, femoral nerve, left, lumbar radiculopathy, femoral nerve, right, tinnitus, athlete's foot of the right foot, right foot disability (other than a skin/nail disability), cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 22, 2025

Citation

A25005496

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