The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for Sjögren's syndrome, as there is no credible evidence linking it to active service or any in-service injury, event, or illness.
The deciding factor: The medical opinions were consistent in concluding that the Veteran's Sjögren's syndrome was less likely than not related to his active service, including his reported symptoms and exposure to herbicides.
- Claimed conditions
- Sjögren's syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 9, 2017
- Citation
- 1715530
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1715530.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's Sjögren's syndrome rating was reduced from 100% to 10%, but the Board found clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in this decision, restoring the original 100% rating effective October 1, 2010.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that her service-connected conditions did not prevent her from securing and following gainful employment.
- Denied
The Veteran's Sjögren's syndrome and leukocytoclastic vasculitis with hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenstrom were rated at 60 percent disabling, based on symptoms more nearly approximating exacerbations lasting a week or more, 2 to 3 times per year. The appeal is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of Sjögren's syndrome, and new evidence may be needed.
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