The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar strain, a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of cholecystectomy, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. A 20 percent rating was granted for laparotomy scars, abdomen.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for ankylosis or its functional equivalent, his cholecystectomy residuals were not severe, and there was no evidence of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. However, the laparotomy scars were found to be painful, warranting a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain (lumbar spine disability), residuals of cholecystectomy, laparotomy scars, abdomen, bilateral hearing loss, chronic right testicular pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25085705
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