The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinea pedis and lumbosacral strain with L1-L2 spondylosis were denied. The Veteran was previously rated at 30 percent for tinea pedis and 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, but the Board found that these ratings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that the Veteran's conditions more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher disability evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- tinea pedis, lumbosacral strain with L1-L2 spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26018624
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 A26018624.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral tinea pedis, which is a condition related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in considering all conditions and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right great toe / foot disability and his claimed frostbite injury.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected tinea pedis with onychomycosis has been granted increased ratings of 10 percent for both the left and right feet, but no higher.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis of the right foot, finding that it began during service and has persisted since.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.