The Board granted earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for sleep apnea and nummular dermatitis, eczema, but denied a higher disability rating for left foot metatarsalgia fracture, with Morton's neuroma, hammer toes, hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, plantar fasciitis, pes planus and degenerative arthritis, and an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for sleep apnea.

The deciding factor: The effective date was based on the date VA received the Veteran's intent to file a claim for compensation benefits, which is later than the date entitlement arose.

Claimed conditions

sleep apnea, nummular dermatitis, eczema, lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (lower back disability), left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left foot metatarsalgia fracture, with Morton's neuroma, hammer toes, hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, plantar fasciitis, pes planus and degenerative arthritis, right foot disability, to include pes planus, hammer toes, and degenerative arthritis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 15, 2025

Citation

A25088741

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