The Veteran's service connection claims for cystic kidney disease, eye condition (keratoconjunctivitis), sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a causal link between these conditions and active service.,The Veteran's testimony regarding his experiences in service was considered, but the VA examiners noted inconsistencies and lack of consistency in the Veteran’s statements.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found no direct evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his active military service. The diagnoses were attributed to other causes such as genetic factors, obesity for sleep apnea, and alcohol use disorder for PTSD.,The Veteran's inconsistent and evasive statements regarding his experiences in service made it difficult for the VA examiners to establish a causal link between his conditions and his time in service.
- Claimed conditions
- Cystic kidney disease, Eye condition (keratoconjunctivitis), Sleep apnea, Acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 7, 2021
- Citation
- 21041011
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 21041011.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, as it is unclear whether his condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities and obesity. The AOJ will need to provide a VA examination to clarify these issues.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the claims for psychiatric disability and sleep apnea.,Service connection was granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a service-connected back disability, but denied for right wrist disability.
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