The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his in-service treatment.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's current conditions were less likely than not incurred in or caused by the claimed in-service injuries, events, or illnesses. The Board found this opinion to be more probative as it was based on accepted medical principles.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar strain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2025
- Citation
- A25038613
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 the Veteran's appeal for a rating greater than 10 percent for thoracolumbar strain, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for rhinorrhea and denied initial compensable evaluations for headaches and left knee disability, while remanding the claim for a respiratory disorder.
- Granted
The Board granted a 30 percent rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee instability, and separate 40 percent rating for right knee limitation of extension prior to July 27, 2019.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain and denied or remanded the other issues on appeal.
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