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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypercholesterolemia and sickle cell trait were denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability for these conditions, as they are laboratory findings or congenital defects respectively. For CAD with heart valve malfunction and scoliosis, the Board finds that additional development is needed due to incomplete STRs and lack of definitive medical opinions.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypercholesterolemia and sickle cell trait were not shown to be current disabilities as they are laboratory findings or congenital defects. For CAD with heart valve malfunction and scoliosis, the Board finds that additional development is needed due to incomplete STRs and lack of definitive medical opinions.

Claimed conditions
hypercholesterolemia, sickle cell trait, CAD with heart valve malfunction, scoliosis, acute renal failure (ARF), anemia, trigger finger of the left hand, hypertension, ganglion cyst
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
October 23, 2017
Citation
1747221

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 1747221.

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.

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