The Board has determined that the Veteran's lupus, pleurisy, esophageal abnormalities, malar rash, and oral ulcers are all related to her active duty service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows a history of autoimmune conditions including celiac sprue and SLE dating back to 1987, with symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes that have been attributed to lupus. The VA examiner concluded that lupus was 'less likely as not' caused by or a result of service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- lupus, pleurisy, esophageal abnormalities, malar rash, oral ulcers
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2011
- Citation
- 1139313
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1139313.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for pleurisy and emphysema was granted with an effective date of September 20, 2024. The Board found that the Veteran continuously pursued the claim since September 20, 2024.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for pleurisy was dismissed because the VA Form 10182, which requested review of the denial of pleurisy service connection, constituted an impermissible concurrent election with his supplemental claim.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for lupus and discoid lupus erythematosus due to potential exposure through a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) in service, including as a fire support specialist. The Veteran will be provided with an examination to determine if his conditions are related to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for lupus, increased disability ratings for Tourette's syndrome, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and a right upper extremity scar. The Veteran was not provided notice of his right to a hearing on these supplemental claims.
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