The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee disability was not rated higher than 10 percent, the right knee scar did not meet criteria for a compensable rating, and there was no evidence of left forearm or right forearm disorders. Service connection was denied for right shoulder disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and right foot disorders (flat foot, hallux valgus, hammer toe). Tinnitus was presumed to have been incurred in service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support the need for increased ratings based on specific criteria or current diagnoses. Service connection claims were denied due to lack of in-service incurrence and nexus with service.
- Claimed conditions
- Right knee compartment syndrome and instability, Right forearm strain, Right shoulder rotator cuff strain and glenohumeral joint arthritis, Lumbosacral strain (lumbar spine disorder), Flat foot, Hallux valgus, Hammer toe, Tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 18, 2026
- Citation
- A26024287
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 A26024287.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
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