The claim of service connection for gout is reopened, but the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis and there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for a lower back condition is denied as there is no current disability and no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied due to lack of continuity of symptoms since service and absence of medical evidence linking the condition to service.,Service connection for hemorrhoids is denied as there is no current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for knot on groin (claimed as lymph node condition and possible hernia) is denied as there is no current disability and no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for chronic laryngitis is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of gout, and the medical evidence does not support a finding that his symptoms are related to service. The lower back condition was resolved during service, and there is no evidence linking it to service.,There is no current disability for diabetes mellitus, and the evidence does not show continuity of symptoms since service or any link between the condition and service.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hemorrhoids, and the medical evidence does not support a finding that his symptoms are related to service. The knot on groin (claimed as lymph node condition and possible hernia) was resolved during service, and there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for chronic laryngitis is granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.
- Claimed conditions
- gout, lower back condition, diabetes mellitus, hemorrhoids, knot on groin (claimed as lymph node condition and possible hernia), chronic laryngitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18156559
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 18156559.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's gout claim for additional development, including obtaining an adequate VA examination and ensuring all relevant records are obtained. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, visual impairment, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claims were not granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, left lower extremity peripheral artery disease, and hypertension as the evidence did not establish an in-service event or exposure to herbicide agents.
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