The Veteran's appeal for service connection for high cholesterol is denied as the term 'disability' does not include laboratory findings such as elevated cholesterol levels.,Service connection for arthritis is denied because the preponderance of evidence shows that the condition is more likely related to aging and post-service occupational history rather than military service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's high cholesterol was found to be a laboratory test result, not a disability in VA compensation terms.,The March 2017 VA examination concluded that arthritis of the hands and ankles is less likely related to military service due to alternative causes such as aging and post-service occupational history.
- Claimed conditions
- high cholesterol, arthritis, hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18160391
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 18160391.
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
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
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