The veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, and hands was denied. His claim for an increased rating for residuals of undulant fever with arthritis in the knees, ankles, and left wrist was also denied.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for osteoarthritis based on direct service connection or any other theory.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the knees, osteoarthritis of the ankles, osteoarthritis of the hands
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- July 13, 2005
- Citation
- 0518916
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 0518916.
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 determined that the Veteran's right knee meniscal tear and osteoarthritis of other joints, including neck, shoulders, left hip, hands, and feet, are related to his service-connected conditions. The claims for these conditions have been remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Granted
The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the hands is granted as service connected, with no specific rating assigned and effective date not determined.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the knees clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service. The examiner is asked to provide a clear opinion on this matter.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees and thoracolumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.
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