The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple joint-related disorder, including polyarthritis and SLE, is at least as likely as not related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported continuity of symptoms within one year of separation from service and provided credible statements regarding his arthritis onset. The VA examiner did not provide an etiology opinion but found no diagnosis of SLE or rheumatoid arthritis. The Board concluded that the Veteran's polyarthritis is related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple Joint-Related Disorder, Polyarthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 21, 2016
- Citation
- 1641279
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 1641279.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there are duty to assist errors in the prior November 2018 rating decision and remands the claims for further development. The issues of service connection for SLE, IBS, GERD, and headaches remain unresolved due to insufficient evidence.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial higher rating for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). As a result, the claim is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and total disability rating due to unemployability (TDIU), as well as the issue of a higher rating for SLE, due to inadequate duty to assist and lack of adequate statement of reasons and bases.
- Partly granted
The Board grants service connection for a low back condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Board grants service connection for a low back condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Board grants service connection for a low back condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Board denies service connection for multiple sclerosis.,The Board denies a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for a nose or throat condition, to include sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, is remanded.
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.