The Board denied service connection for multiple musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including shoulder, elbow, neck, hand, foot, back, hip, and knee disabilities, as there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease, continuity of symptoms since separation from service, or a nexus between the current disabilities and active duty.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's reported symptoms were not continuous since service separation and did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of service. Additionally, there was no evidence linking the current conditions to any in-service injury or event.
- Claimed conditions
- right shoulder bicipital and rotator cuff tendonitis with osteoarthritis, left shoulder osteoarthritis, right elbow degenerative arthritis with lateral epicondylitis, cervical degenerative arthritis, bilateral hand neuropathy, bilateral flat foot with plantar fasciitis, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, spondylosis, and degenerative disc disease, right hip osteoarthritis, left hip osteoarthritis, right knee joint osteoarthritis, left knee joint osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 10, 2024
- Citation
- A24064847
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection to left knee joint osteoarthritis as secondary to lumbosacral strain and spinal stenosis, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for an appropriate VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of the Veteran's right hip disability, as the April 2021 VA examination is deemed inadequate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a higher rating for right knee strain to ensure that the estimated range of motion provided for repeated use over time and during flare-ups is sufficient for rating purposes.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, recurrent right and left shoulder rotator cuff tear residuals, right and left total knee replacement residuals, and right and left foot plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
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.