The Veteran's 'bacterial infection all over the body' is found to be a symptom of his service-connected Reiter’s syndrome and thus not a separate disability for which service connection can be granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bacterial infection is a symptom of his service connected Reiter’s syndrome, which is already evaluated under Diagnostic Code 5002 that specifically contemplates constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement.
- Claimed conditions
- bacterial infection all over body, urethritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21013550
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 21013550.
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 disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 28, 2009. The Board has granted TDIU from that date.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for BPH. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum medical opinion that considers the Veteran's treatment for urethritis during his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder, tinnitus, and urethritis, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to credibility issues with his testimony and lack of supporting medical evidence. The case is being returned for additional development, including obtaining records from the Army National Guard period, left knee surgery records, clarification on TERA exposure details, and a new opinion regarding prostate cancer.
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