The Board granted service connection for multiple degenerative joint diseases of the right and left wrist, knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disability.

The deciding factor: The evidence was in at least approximate balance that each condition manifested during or within one year after active duty and persisted since separation, supporting direct service connection. For some conditions, the Board also found a nexus to service-connected disabilities, granting service connection on a secondary basis.

Claimed conditions

right wrist degenerative joint disease (DJD), left wrist DJD, right knee DJD, left knee DJD, right shoulder DJD, left shoulder DJD, right elbow DJD, left elbow DJD, right hip DJD, including as secondary to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) L5-S1, left hip DJD, including as secondary to lumbar spine DDD L5-S1

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 1, 2025

Citation

A25084875

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