The Veteran's service connection claims for left knee patellofemoral syndrome, chronic strain of the left elbow, degenerative joint disease of the right elbow, and cervical spine strain have been denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent prior to February 16, 2017, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter, for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran’s left knee condition, chronic strain of the left elbow, degenerative joint disease of the right elbow, or cervical spine strain had its onset in service or is otherwise etiologically related to active service.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"left knee patellofemoral syndrome","diagnosis_date":null,"diagnosis_notes":"Diagnosed during the course of this appeal."}, {"condition_name":"chronic strain of the left elbow","diagnosis_date":null,"diagnosis_notes":"Diagnosed in May 2016 Gulf War General Medical Examination"}, {"condition_name":"degenerative joint disease of the right elbow","diagnosis_date":null,"diagnosis_notes":"Diagnosed in May 2016 Gulf War General Medical Examination"}, {"condition_name":"cervical spine strain","diagnosis_date":null,"diagnosis_notes":"Diagnosed in May 2016 Gulf War General Medical Examination"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2019
- Citation
- 19126046
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
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