The Veteran's right knee arthritis and bilateral heel spurs are denied as the evidence does not support a connection to service.,Service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied due to lack of current diagnosis. The Veteran's heel spurs are found not connected to any period of service.,GERD is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its onset and relationship to service.,Right wrist condition is remanded as the VA records do not support a connection to service, despite the Veteran's testimony and history.,Lumbar spine condition is remanded due to lack of sufficient medical evidence connecting it to service.
The deciding factor: The weight of the evidence does not support a nexus between the current right knee arthritis or heel spurs and any period of service, including those before May 2012.,There is insufficient evidence to establish that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. The preexisting condition was not aggravated during service.,The VA records do not support a connection between GERD and the Veteran's service periods. The Veteran's testimony regarding his treatment for esophageal symptoms post-service is not considered.,The right wrist injury occurred in 1989, but there is no evidence of any injury or condition during service that could be linked to the current condition.,There is insufficient medical evidence connecting the lumbar spine condition to service. The Veteran's history and treatment records do not provide a clear link.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Arthritis, Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis and Bilateral Heel Spurs, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Right Wrist Condition, Lumbar Spine Condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2021
- Citation
- 21071358
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 21071358.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating prior to August 12, 2013 was denied as his right knee disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5003.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating from April 1, 2016 was denied as he is already receiving the maximum allowable disability rating of 60 percent for total right knee replacement.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70% rating, effective July 15, 2024. The Veteran's GERD remains at a 10% rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to July 29, 2024. The GERD rating remains at 30 percent disabled but no higher.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's IBS with GERD was granted an initial 60 percent rating. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and development.
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.