The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a right leg disorder (snake bite), low back disorder, gout, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches. The reasons given were that there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year of discharge, and the Veteran's assertions regarding secondary service connection were not supported by medical evidence.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish a link between his current diagnoses and service, including any alleged snake bite injury. The claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, right leg disorder (snake bite), low back disorder, gout, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches were denied as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year of discharge.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Right Leg Disorder (Snake Bite), Low Back Disorder, Gout, Left Ear Hearing Loss, Right Ear Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Major Depressive Disorder, Migraine Headaches, Left Leg Disorder (not specified)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 1, 2022
- Citation
- 22032165
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 22032165.
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: Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
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