The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral shin splints and secondary service connection for alcohol use disorder have been granted. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has also been granted, but the claims for increased ratings for knee disabilities remain pending.
The deciding factor: New evidence was submitted sufficient to readjudicate the claims of service connection for shin splints and secondary service connection for alcohol use disorder. The Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral shin splints is supported by in-service complaints and separation examination findings, while his alcohol use disorder is linked to his service-connected psychiatric disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral shin splints, alcohol use disorder
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26006925
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26006925.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, along with alcohol use disorder, has been granted a 100% evaluation effective from April 8, 2021. The disability causes total occupational and social impairment.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia and alcohol use disorder caused his sleep apnea.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and alcohol use disorder, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and that the Veteran's only diagnosed condition is alcohol use disorder. The Board also found that service connection cannot be granted due to willful misconduct.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.
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