The Board denied service connection for heart disease and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's in-service exposure to ionizing radiation. The disabilities were not diagnosed until many decades after service, and there is no indication of any manifestations during service sufficient to identify the disease entity.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran’s current heart disability or neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities manifested in service (or within one year after separation) or were otherwise related to service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Claimed conditions
- heart disease, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 5, 2018
- Citation
- 18131905
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 18131905.
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).
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for artery disease, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and he did not have the required wartime service for pension benefits.
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