The Board found that the appellant's character of discharge from service is a bar to VA compensation benefits. The appeal for benefits related to neurobehavioral problems, lung disease, cancer, liver and kidney disorders caused by toxic exposure was denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.
The deciding factor: The multiple offenses during service led to an other than honorable discharge, which constitutes a bar to VA compensation benefits. The clinical opinions did not establish a link between the appellant's current disabilities and service.
- Claimed conditions
- Seizure disorder, Neurobehavioral problems including memory loss, depression, difficulty in concentration, confusion and impassivity resulting from brain damage caused by toxic exposure, Lung disease, Cancer, Liver problems, Kidney problems
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 30, 2003
- Citation
- 0314270
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0314270.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's seizure disorder is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as he has not had any seizures in over two years.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a seizure disorder rating of 20 percent is denied as the evidence does not show that his condition increased in severity within one year after separation from service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine disability, and seizure disorder, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, the Board has granted his TDIU application.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the cause of death and its relation to service, including in-service dental treatment. The Veteran died from acute renal failure, metastatic melanoma, cerebral metastasis, or seizure disorder.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.