The Board has determined that the Veteran's blood clots with a pulmonary embolus were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee patellectomy with degenerative arthritis of the tibiofemoral joint, and thus denied his claim for service connection.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence that the Veteran's blood clots originated in service or were caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- blood clots, pulmonary embolus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2016
- Citation
- 1638245
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 1638245.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal seeking an effective date prior to January 23, 2014, for the assignment of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed due to his death.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision, effectively dismissing the case.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for blood clots to afford the Veteran a VA examination and obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his condition, as he has a history of lower extremity blood clots and participated in toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for disabilities related to a positive cardiolipin microflocculation lab result in service due to an inadequate VA medical opinion.
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.