The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities of the back, right shoulder, right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the Veteran’s claimed back disability is more likely related to normal age progression, deconditioning, and his job as a correctional officer for over 20 years.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Back disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right shoulder disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right hip disability"}, {"condition_name":"Left hip disability"}, {"condition_name":"Right knee disability"}, {"condition_name":"Left knee disability"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 7, 2020
- Citation
- A20015282
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.