Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The January 1970 rating decision denying service connection for meningitis with toxic tenosynovitis is final. The November 2001 rating decision granted service connection for arthritis of the shoulders, knees, elbows, hands, and feet due to meningitis with toxic tenosynovitis effective from August 9, 1999.

The deciding factor: The January 1970 rating decision was based on the absence of current residuals of meningitis or toxic tenosynovitis. The November 2001 decision granted service connection for arthritis due to the veteran's history of meningitis with toxic tenosynovitis, which is a direct link without any presumption.

Claimed conditions
residuals of meningitis with toxic tenosynovitis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
November 12, 2008
Citation
0838967

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 0838967.

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.

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.