The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints, finding that there was no evidence to support a secondary relationship between his service-connected low back disorder and these conditions. The effective date claim was also denied as the veteran did not provide new and material evidence.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the osteoarthritis of multiple joints is causally related to active service, including as secondary to the service-connected low back disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- traumatic arthritis of the spine (low back disorder), osteoarthritis of the shoulders, osteoarthritis of the elbows, osteoarthritis of the wrists, osteoarthritis of the hips, osteoarthritis of the knees
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 11, 2008
- Citation
- 0826948
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 0826948.
What this means for you
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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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between current osteoarthritis and service. The Veteran's active service is believed to have caused joint pain shortly after service, but there are missing records that need to be reviewed by a clinician.
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