The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine condition and remanded the claims of patellofemoral pain syndrome of both knees. The cervical spine claim is denied due to lack of evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service occurrence, while the knee claims are remanded for further evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found it less likely than not that the Veteran's knee disabilities were related to service, based on the absence of treatment records and complaints during service. The Board finds this rationale inadequate and orders another examination considering new evidence including buddy statements.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine condition, patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2019
- Citation
- 19187070
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor. The claims for a cervical spine condition and lumbar spine condition were remanded for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and other benefits, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional compensation.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for cervical spine condition, diabetes mellitus, heart condition, lumbar spine condition, and urinary frequency and voiding condition as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence or aggravation.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating issues due to untimely filings or lack of jurisdiction over deferred claims.
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