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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18146067.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.