The Veteran's service records do not show any evidence of gallbladder removal, TBI, pulmonary embolism, chronic headache disorder, or atrial fibrillation during his active service. The claims are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection.,There is no evidence showing a TBI during service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's claim for TBI due to service is denied.,Pulmonary embolism was first diagnosed in 1995, over three decades after separation from active service. Service connection is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection.,Headache disorder and atrial fibrillation were not shown during or within one year post-service. The claims are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's STRs do not show any symptoms, complaints, or treatment related to these conditions during his active service. There is no medical opinion linking these conditions to service.,There is no evidence of a TBI during service or within one year post-service. The first objective evidence of a possible TBI was in 1982 and 1993, over three decades after separation from service.,Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed in 1995, almost three decades after separation from active service. There is no medical opinion linking this condition to service.,Headache disorder and atrial fibrillation were not shown during or within one year post-service. The first objective evidence of these conditions was in 1995 and 1988, respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals from gallbladder removal, TBI (traumatic brain injury), pulmonary embolism, chronic headache disorder, atrial fibrillation
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 31, 2020
- Citation
- 20051040
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 20051040.
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 Board has granted service connection for pulmonary embolism as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected status post spigelian herniorrhaphy, finding that the surgery increased her risk of developing a pulmonary embolism.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's pulmonary disability is directly related to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for atrial fibrillation and distressed heart (previously claimed as irregular heartbeat) based on evidence of a link to the Veteran's military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the claims of service connection for bilateral dry eye disorder, atrial fibrillation (including as secondary to hypertension), left eye disorder other than dry eye including amaurosis fugax, and right foot or ankle disorder (including as secondary to left foot and/or left ankle disability). The appeals are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the current record.
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