The Board found that the Veteran's sickle cell anemia did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he did not have repeated hemolytic crises with continuing impairment of health. The symptoms were considered to be occasional joint pain and fatigue, which do not constitute a hemolytic crisis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not include repeated hemolytic sickling crises, the criteria required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7714.
- Claimed conditions
- sickle cell anemia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 22, 2016
- Citation
- 1616229
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 1616229.
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 Board denied service connection for sickle cell hemoglobinopathy and TDIU due to the Veteran's preexisting condition that was not aggravated by service. The Veteran's sickle cell anemia is considered a congenital disorder, which did not undergo aggravation during service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled examinations.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for sickle cell anemia, urinary incontinence, diabetes mellitus II, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis or a link to service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, increased ratings, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance due to insufficient evidence of entitlement arising before December 14, 2018.
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.