The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with mild primary arthritis in the facet joints and bilateral tinnitus, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and a rating increase for left ear hearing loss. The decision also remanded an issue related to right foot plantar fasciitis.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder included chronic disorders of arthritis and disease of the nervous system, allowing for service connection based on continuity of symptoms. For the right ear hearing loss, there was no evidence of a current disability under VA standards. The left ear hearing loss did not meet criteria for an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with mild primary arthritis in the facet joints, Right ear hearing loss, Left ear hearing loss, Bilateral tinnitus, Right foot plantar fasciitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2025
- Citation
- A25089949
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.