The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, bilateral wrist and hand disability (carpal tunnel syndrome), bilateral knee disability, and arthritis. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.
The deciding factor: The STRs were silent on any complaints or treatment related to the claimed disabilities, and there was no medical evidence showing chronicity of these conditions within one year post-service. The Veteran's current allegations were inconsistent with her service history and VA records did not show treatment for these conditions until many years after separation from service.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability, Cervical spine disability, Bilateral wrist and hand disability (carpal tunnel syndrome), Bilateral knee disability, Arthritis (non-specific)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 23, 2009
- Citation
- 0936100
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0936100.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability alone does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities is denied.
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