The Veteran's claim for service connection for a deviated septum has been reopened, and the Board finds that his testimony regarding an in-service motor vehicle accident is new and material evidence. Service connection for cervical degenerative disc disease is granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection for inguinal hernia, left knee condition, and right knee condition are remanded due to insufficient evidence.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's testimony regarding an in-service motor vehicle accident provided new and material evidence sufficient to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a deviated septum. The claims for cervical degenerative disc disease, inguinal hernia, left knee condition, and right knee condition are remanded as there is insufficient evidence to make a decision.
- Claimed conditions
- deviated septum, cervical degenerative disc disease, inguinal hernia, left knee condition, right knee condition
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 12, 2024
- Citation
- 24011723
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 24011723.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the service connection for a lumbar condition and left knee condition, resulting in the dismissal of these issues.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability is service-connected as it resulted from an injury sustained during active 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.