The Board has denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, residuals of a left ankle injury, mesothelioma, heart disability including coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.,Additional issues related to hearing loss, tinnitus, arthritis, right ankle disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and temporary total rating for a period of convalescence have been remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not establish that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service. The Board found no chronic lumbar spine or left ankle injuries in service, nor within one year after discharge. There is also no credible evidence of arthritis or heart disability during service or within a year post-service.,VA treatment records do not show any diagnoses for the claimed conditions until many years after service. The Veteran's lay statements are insufficient to establish current disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, Residuals of a left ankle injury, Mesothelioma, Heart disability, including coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18121590
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 18121590.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
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