The Veteran's service connection claims for systemic lupus erythematosus, renal disease secondary to lupus, Raynaud's disease, scleroderma, and a left knee disability are all granted. The claim for service connection of the left knee disability is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service, which is presumed exposure. The medical evidence supports a nexus between these exposures and the Veteran's current diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus, renal disease secondary to lupus, Raynaud's disease, scleroderma, and left knee disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Systemic lupus erythematosus, Renal disease (lupus nephritis), Raynaud's disease, Scleroderma, Left knee disability
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 17, 2022
- Citation
- 22029257
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 22029257.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim for bilateral knee disabilities and his right and left knee scars have been granted. He is now rated at a combined 60% disability rating from June 1, 2018 based on bilateral factors for his bilateral knee disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's entitlement to higher level of SMC at the intermediate rate is granted, effective from January 8, 2021. He was previously in need of aid and attendance due to his left knee disability since February 1, 2017, and now has additional disabilities rated at 50 percent or more.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing current diagnoses or functional impairment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left, right knee disabilities and right ankle disability due to inadequate medical opinions. The cases will be returned for further development.
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