The Board denied service connection for chronic pancreatitis, finding that the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's pancreatitis had onset during service or was otherwise related to service. The examiner concluded that the Veteran's post-service diagnosis of pancreatitis is more likely due to his history of alcohol abuse.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no objective findings of acute pancreatitis in service and noted that the Veteran did not have symptoms typically associated with pancreatitis, such as fever or abdominal tenderness. The examiner also pointed out that lead exposure was unlikely to cause pancreatitis based on medical research.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 8, 2018
- Citation
- 18148859
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 18148859.
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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