The Veteran's claim for service connection for lower extremity pain and swelling, other than residuals of left ankle fracture, is denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his current joint conditions are related to military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder due to an undiagnosed illness or MUCMI is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding whether he has such a condition.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current joint conditions are related to military service. The VA examiners concluded that his current hip and knee arthritis, as well as his left ankle disability, are more likely due to post-military risk factors such as occupation, body habitus, and sedentary lifestyle.,There is insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran has a respiratory disorder due to an undiagnosed illness or MUCMI. The Board finds that further development is needed to determine if he meets the criteria for service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.
- Claimed conditions
- lower extremity pain and swelling, respiratory disorder
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21068989
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21068989.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for service connection must be remanded due to inadequate examinations and opinions. The Veteran's skin disorder, respiratory disorder, Crohn's disease, eye disorder, and migraines are all being reviewed again with new medical evaluations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD and emphysema, is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that the evidence submitted tends to disprove a link between his current condition and active service.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a respiratory disorder is dismissed. Service connection for right hand palmar nodule and service connection for a right hand scar are granted, but the issue of service connection for a right hand disorder other than service-connected right hand palmar nodule is remanded.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
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