The Board denied service connection for various knee, ankle, and foot disorders as well as special monthly compensation based on the need of aid and attendance or housebound status due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis in his knees, ankles, and feet were less likely than not incurred in or caused by an in-service injury, event, or illness. The Board also considered lay statements but found them insufficient given the complexity of diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, right foot disorder, left foot disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 18, 2025
- Citation
- 25014088
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