The veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease, residuals of a chest contusion, and post-traumatic arthritis were denied. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for left distal radius and ulna fracture was granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation for right thumb arthritis was denied. The claim for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and post-traumatic arthritis of the right knee were both denied.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including degenerative disc disease, residuals of a chest contusion, or post-traumatic arthritis. The veteran's back condition was attributed to an injury sustained in a truck accident during service, but there was no objective evidence of such an injury on X-rays.

Claimed conditions

degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, post-traumatic arthritis of the left wrist, post-traumatic arthritis of the right thumb, residuals of a chest contusion, right knee instability

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

30%

Decision date

July 2, 2004

Citation

0417842

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 0417842.