The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Stevens-Johnson syndrome, finding that there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition and concluding that his current disability is not related to his in-service symptoms.
The deciding factor: The medical expert concluded that the Veteran’s in-service symptoms were unlikely related to his current diagnosis of post-Stevens-Johnson syndrome with residual of restrictive lung disease, as they did not align with the clinical presentations and hospitalization for Stevens-Johnson syndrome diagnosed in February 1985.
- Claimed conditions
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome, post-Stevens-Johnson syndrome with residual of restrictive lung disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18146067
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 18146067.
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.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal of the issue regarding service connection for Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The other issues have been remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's Stevens-Johnson syndrome was caused by an event that was not reasonably foreseeable, and the Board finds it reasonable to conclude that this allergic reaction resulting in SJS was an event not reasonably foreseeable. As a result, compensation for SJS under 1151 is granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for Stevens-Johnson syndrome, but has also remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's allergic reaction that caused his condition was reasonably foreseeable.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted for Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The Board has also remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.
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