The Board granted service connection for a low back disability, left lower sciatic radiculopathy, and right lower sciatic radiculopathy. The claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral shin splints, migraines, left knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome were denied or remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported the direct service connection for a low back disability and secondary service connection for sciatic radiculopathies. The evidence was not persuasive against increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral shin splints, leading to their denial. Migraines and knee strains were remanded for further development.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability (lumbar strain), Left lower sciatic radiculopathy, Right lower sciatic radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2025
- Citation
- A25089587
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.