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The Navy Chief asked you what was the specific reason that VA denied s/c for your back.

The answer to that will give us a lot better idea of what you need to do to get s/c for the back condition.
Actually you need 2 things: (1) a diagnosis - something other than complaints or symptoms of pain
(2) a nexus statement - a written opinion by an MD that your (a) particular diagnosis is as likely as not the result of the s/c knee condition and (b) why this is so.

Help us help you - provide info.

that's not what it gave me!

OK, thanks for the info. Your original post stated that your doctors opinion included his reasoning that the knees affected your gait and that the altered gait caused back problems.

It would help if your MD would give you a better written explanation of WHY or HOW the altered gait due to the knees affected your spine. If he/she does and the explanation makes sense medically, then VA could approve the claim upon receipt of your MD's report. Since the back claim was just denied if you get a more detailed letter, VA would likely have time to make a new decision within the 1 year appeal period.

Without any new evidence, you can only begin the appeal process now and hope for the best. If you are unable to give VA any additional info from your MD, you should appeal - it seems that the VA examiner did not explain why he felt that either your gait was not altered by knee pain or why the altered gait did not actually cause the spondylosis. (If the VA examiner did explain this it really should have been explained in the "reasons & bases" that you quoted.)

You could even begin the appeal now with an NOD. Later, if you are able to get a better explanation about your gait you could submit that info and VA would have to make a new decision.

Without actually seeing your file, it does indeed seem that you have a valid reason to appeal or otherwise pursue s/c for the back. Best of luck to you.... and you have a fine Navy day.