The Board denied service connection for arthritis of both the left and right knees, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic knee disorder during active service or within one year of separation. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's bilateral knee arthritis was less likely as not caused by his service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no medical evidence linking the current bilateral knee arthritis to the in-service right knee bursitis and noted the Veteran’s obesity as a significant factor contributing to his knee discomfort.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis of the left knee, arthritis of the right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 24, 2018
- Citation
- 18105322
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18105322.
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: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right and left knees, finding that it is at least as likely as not that these conditions developed due to the Veteran's active military service.,No new evidence or exposure basis was provided in this decision.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral crepitus, and arthritis of the left knee. Service connection for a left knee meniscal tear is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for arthritis of the left knee and right knee to ensure compliance with a Joint Motion for Partial Remand from the Court.
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