The Board denied a compensable rating for gout arthritis, finding that the Veteran's condition was stable and did not cause any functional impairment or exacerbations.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no objective evidence of gout with limitation of motion in the joints, and opined that the current knee and foot conditions were less likely due to service-connected gout.
- Claimed conditions
- gout arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20041417
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 20041417.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected gout arthritis in his bilateral great toes rendered him eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as of May 30, 2008. The effective date for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) was also granted as of the same date.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected gout arthritis, hearing loss, tinnitus, and GERD disabilities preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, gout arthritis of shoulders, hip, hands, and knees, and right foot bone growth. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran qualifies for the Gulf War presumption and to obtain a VA examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
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.