The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, arthritis (excluding of the left hand and left index finger), lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and left knee disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
The deciding factor: There is no medical evidence demonstrating that the Veteran has any diagnosed disabilities for which service connection can be granted. The claims are based on laboratory results (high cholesterol) or symptoms (vertigo, headaches, arthritis).
- Claimed conditions
- high cholesterol, arthritis (excluding of the left hand and left index finger), lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, left knee disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 29, 2017
- Citation
- 1761019
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 1761019.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and lower extremity disorders, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
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