The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, low back/lumbar condition, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The denial was based on the lack of evidence showing that his conditions were aggravated by military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his pre-existing bilateral knee conditions or low back/lumbar condition were aggravated by military service, and thus service connection could not be established.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral knee osteoarthritis, bulging disk L4-L5 protruding disk L5-S1 (low back/lumbar condition), peripheral radiculopathy of the lower left extremity (left sciatica condition), peripheral radiculopathy of the lower right extremity (right sciatica condition)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18122254
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 18122254.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew her appeal and hearing request for increased ratings of persistent depressive disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), bilateral sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, bilateral elbow nerve damage, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome must be remanded due to a failure to provide a VA examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee osteoarthritis and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service-connected disabilities or other factors. The VA must obtain additional medical opinions addressing causation and aggravation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis and pain are found to have manifested during active service, meeting the criteria for service connection.
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