The Board has determined that the Veteran's obesity, back disorders (including herniated disc at T11-T12), right foot disorder, bilateral leg disorder, sleep apnea, respiratory disorder, and stomach disorder are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under VA laws and regulations.
The deciding factor: The Board found that obesity per se is not a disease or injury for purposes of 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110 and 1131 and, therefore, may not be service-connected on a direct or secondary basis. The Veteran's back disorders are also not service-connected as the evidence does not establish an in-service event, injury, or illness that caused his current condition.
- Claimed conditions
- obesity, back disorder, right foot disorder, bilateral leg disorder, sleep apnea, respiratory disorder, stomach disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18116657
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 18116657.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease manifesting within one year after service and concluding that the current disability is not related to his in-service deviated septum.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current sleep disorder is related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further development.
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