The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for right hand 5th finger sprain and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative joint disease, and remanded several service connection claims due to inadequate medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating for the right knee DJD or service connection for the various claimed conditions, as the medical opinions were found to be inadequate.
- Claimed conditions
- right hand 5th finger sprain, right knee degenerative joint disease (DJD), left hand neuropathy, right hand neuropathy, left foot neuropathy, right foot neuropathy, left elbow bursitis and lateral and medial epicondylitis (also claimed as degenerative joint disease), right elbow bursitis and lateral and medial epicondylitis (also claimed as degenerative joint disease), left knee strain (also claimed as degenerative joint disease), left shoulder strain (claimed as degenerative joint disease), right shoulder strain (also claimed as degenerative joint disease), thoracolumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 28, 2025
- Citation
- A25029113
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied increased ratings for sleep apnea, left ankle scar, painful left ankle scar, acquired psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder), left foot metatarsalgia, and right knee limitation of flexion. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left foot neuropathy and 20 percent rating for right knee limitation of extension.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right and left knee degenerative joint disease to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error by providing notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for left and right foot neuropathy to correct a pre-decisional error in obtaining adequate medical opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of service connection for right foot neuropathy and ratings for left foot hallux valgus and left foot strain to correct a duty to assist error, specifically to obtain additional medical records and a clarifying opinion.
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