The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine and bilateral knee conditions, as well as a rating greater than 30 percent for migraines from March 17, 2016 to April 22, 2021. The issues of service connection for bilateral ankle, digestive, skin, bilateral shin splints, respiratory conditions, entitlement to TDIU and SMC based on housebound status were remanded.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran's lumbar spine and knee disabilities did not have a nexus to his in-service combat operations or exposure to toxic substances. The examiner also noted that there was no evidence of treatment for these conditions during service or within one year after separation, leading to the conclusion that they were not incurred in service.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spine Condition, Right Knee Condition, Left Knee Condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 20, 2026
- Citation
- 26002413
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 26002413.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee conditions, finding that the Veteran's current knee conditions are more likely than not related to his military service.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee condition is related to his service-connected left knee, back, and bilateral foot disabilities. The decision grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the most recent rating decision on the merits, issued in October 2024, requires correction due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors. The claim for service connection for a right knee condition is being remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, right knee condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.
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