The Board denied service connection for low back disorder, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder due to lack of evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and military service.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was also denied as the proximate cause of his need for subsequent surgery was not found to be reasonably foreseeable or related to VA treatment.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that there is no evidence showing a relationship between the Veteran's current low back, right knee, and right ankle disorders and military service. The claims were denied based on lack of continuity of symptomatology from service to present.,For the 38 U.S.C. § 1151 claim, the Board found that the subsequent surgery was not reasonably foreseeable or related to VA treatment.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disorder, Right knee disorder, Right ankle disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20034836
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 20034836.
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 Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, bilateral knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to duty to assist errors that occurred prior to the rating decision on appeal. The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded for an addendum opinion regarding its etiology.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the evidence did not show an in-service onset or relationship to service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.