Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Board denied service connection for a dental disability and a left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not caused by military negligence or malpractice. The left knee condition was determined to be aggravated beyond its natural progression during active duty training in 1991.

The deciding factor: The June 2019 VA examiner concluded that the Veteran’s current knee problems are likely due to a pre-existing patellectomy, and not aggravated by service events.

Claimed conditions
dental disability, left knee disability
How they argued it
Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
September 14, 2020
Citation
20060108

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 20060108.

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.

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.