The Board denied service connection for gout, SIJ dysfunction, left hip disorder, left foot strain, and right foot strain due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.,For each condition, the decision noted that there was no in-service occurrence or treatment related to the claimed condition, and that current diagnoses were not established.
The deciding factor: The Board found insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between any of the claimed conditions and active service. The VA examiners provided clear rationales for their opinions, concluding that there was no credible evidence linking the conditions to service.,For gout, the examiner noted the absence of findings typical of gout (inflammation) in service or post-service. For SIJ dysfunction, x-rays were normal and did not show a chronic condition. For left hip disorder, the examiner found that there was no history of complaints or treatment related to the left hip during service.
- Claimed conditions
- gout, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction, left hip disorder, left foot strain, right foot strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 14, 2018
- Citation
- 18158296
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 18158296.
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: 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.
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The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various hip and lower extremity disorders, including as secondary to a lumbar spine disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for headaches, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, back disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a failure to provide notice regarding the Veteran's right to a hearing.
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