The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in service or within one year after discharge, residuals of a bilateral mandible fracture are not manifested by reduction in range of motion, displacement of the mandible, and loss of masticatory function, chondromalacia patella with degenerative joint disease of the left knee is not manifested by limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less, limitation of extension to 5 degrees or more, ankylosis, subluxation or lateral instability, dislocation of semilunar cartilage, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, malunion of the tibia and fibula, or genu recurvatum. The chondromalacia patella with degenerative joint disease of the right knee is not manifested by limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less, limitation of extension to 5 degrees or more, ankylosis, subluxation or lateral instability, dislocation of semilunar cartilage, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, malunion of the tibia and fibula, or genu recurvatum.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not have bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in service or within one year after discharge. The residuals of a bilateral mandible fracture are not manifested by reduction in range of motion, displacement of the mandible, and loss of masticatory function. The chondromalacia patella with degenerative joint disease of the left knee is not manifested by limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less, limitation of extension to 5 degrees or more, ankylosis, subluxation or lateral instability, dislocation of semilunar cartilage, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, malunion of the tibia and fibula, or genu recurvatum. The chondromalacia patella with degenerative joint disease of the right knee is not manifested by limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less, limitation of extension to 5 degrees or more, ankylosis, subluxation or lateral instability, dislocation of semilunar cartilage, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, malunion of the tibia and fibula, or genu recurvatum.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, residuals of bilateral mandible fracture, chondromalacia patella (left knee), chondromalacia patella (right knee), lumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2015
- Citation
- 1553678
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 1553678.
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 additional development is needed for the claims on appeal, including obtaining any outstanding treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's representative also requested reevaluation of his service-connected disabilities.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and denied the claims for right knee disability, erectile dysfunction, GERD, sleep apnea, and hypertension. The decision is remanded for further action on these issues.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.