The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for male reproductive disability, including atrophy of testicles and sterility, claiming it was due to radiation and herbicide exposure. The Board found that the pre-existing condition (mumps orchitis) did not meet the criteria for service connection as there was no evidence of aggravation by service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's male reproductive disability clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, and it is clear and unmistakable that it was not aggravated by service.
- Claimed conditions
- male reproductive disability, atrophy of testicles, sterility
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 6, 2021
- Citation
- 21000853
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 21000853.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed sterility, specifically related to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.
- Dismissed
The appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for sterility was withdrawn by the Veteran's representative and is therefore dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for sterility, to include as secondary to service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder for another VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for sterility, as there has not been substantial compliance with previous remand directives.
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.